Read the passage and answer the questions on it.
Nigeria, like many countries, is facing significant challenges
due to climate change. Agriculture, a vital sector of the Nigerian economy, is
particularly vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changing weather patterns. The impact of climate change on
agriculture in Nigeria is multifaceted, affecting crop yields, livestock
production, and food security.
One of the primary impacts of climate change on Nigerian
agriculture is the alteration of rainfall patterns. Traditionally, Nigeria has
relied on predictable seasonal rains to cultivate crops such as maize, rice, and
cassava. However, climate change has resulted in unpredictable and erratic rainfall, leading to prolonged
droughts in some regions and severe flooding in others. These changes have
disrupted planting and harvesting cycles, reducing crop yields and making it
challenging for farmers to plan their activities.
Moreover, higher temperatures associated with climate change
have contributed to increased evapotranspiration rates. This means that crops lose more water through
evaporation and transpiration, necessitating more frequent irrigation.
Unfortunately, water resources are also under strain due to climate change,
with many rivers and lakes experiencing reduced water levels. This scarcity of
water further hampers agricultural
productivity.
Livestock production is not immune to the impacts of climate
change either. Higher temperatures and reduced water availability affect the
health and productivity of animals. Heat stress can lead to lower milk yields,
reduced weight gain, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Additionally,
changes in pasture quality and availability due to altered rainfall patterns
can affect grazing animals, forcing farmers to rely on expensive supplementary
feeds.
The broader implications of climate change on agriculture
extend to food security. As crop yields decline and livestock production faces
challenges, the availability and affordability of food are threatened.
Nigeria's growing population exacerbates
this issue, increasing the demand for food while the supply struggles to keep
pace. This can lead to higher food prices, putting a strain on household
budgets and potentially increasing the prevalence of malnutrition.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on Nigerian
agriculture are underway. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt climate-smart
agricultural practices, such as the use of drought-resistant crop varieties,
improved irrigation techniques, and integrated pest management. Additionally,
there are initiatives to promote agroforestry, which involves integrating trees
and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance resilience to climate change.
However, these efforts face significant challenges. Limited
access to information, resources, and technology are enemies of the adoption of
climate-smart practices. Moreover, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor road
networks and insufficient storage facilities, further complicates the ability
of farmers to adapt to changing conditions.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on Nigerian agriculture is profound and multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, agricultural institutions, and local communities. By working together to implement climate-smart practices and improve infrastructure, Nigeria can enhance the resilience of its agricultural sector and safeguard food security for future generations.
Questions
(a) What are the primary impacts of climate change on
Nigerian agriculture?
(b) How has the alteration of rainfall patterns affected crop
yields in Nigeria?
(c) Describe the effects of higher temperatures on livestock
production in Nigeria.
(d) What broader implications does climate change have on
food security in Nigeria?
(e) What climate-smart agricultural practices are being
encouraged in Nigeria?
(f) Limited access to information, resources, and technology are
enemies of the adoption of climate-smart practices. What figure of speech is
used here?
(g) ... that crops lose
more water through evaporation and transpiration.
(i) What is the grammatical name given to this expression as
it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function?
(h) For each of the following words, find another word or
phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the
passage.
(i) vulnerable
(ii) erratic
(iii) hampers
(iv) exacerbate
(v) resilience