Implications of Climate Change and Food Crisis on Women Farmers in Contemporary Nigeria.

Abstract:

Agriculture and food security are two important components of a sustainable future and wellbeing of the people that are adversely affected by climate change and global warming, especially in the growing economies of the world. While agriculture is the main stay of most of such economies, it serves as an important employer of labour and source of income for the people, and provides the foundation for food security which is the state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious food supply that adequately meets the needs of its users. Climate change and global warming are two important challenges adversely affecting the people (especially the poor and the highly vulnerable female-headed farming households in Africa and particular in Nigeria), as a result of which their livelihoods and wellbeing are increasingly endangered by the scourge and related challenges of low disposable income; poor soil quality (nutrients); high levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment; feminization of agriculture, and lack of opportunities for meaningful development. This study examines the inter-links between climate change and food crisis, which breeds food insecurity among the people, especially female-headed farming households in Nasarawa State. The study is a descriptive survey which utilized primary and secondary sources of data, using questionnaire, FGD (Focus Group Discussion), and elite interviews. It posits that climate change is an important driver of socio-economic challenges that affects female-headed farming households more disproportionately than their male counterparts. The study suggests that though climate change is an important global challenge, it is more so among resource-poor farmers that must be appropriately responded to, especially in Africa where its effects are most harsh. The study recommends that, gender friendly policies and practices will ensure effective and equitable gender participation in sustainable agriculture essential in food security and wellbeing of the people.