From BENJAMIN AUTA, Kaduna
Africa Climate Reporters has raised concern over the irregular rainfall pattern being witnessed this year, warning that the development could negatively affect farming activities and food production in several communities.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the organisation’s Head of Communication and Strategy, Ibrahima Yakubu, said the inconsistent rainfall pattern was already creating uncertainty for farmers who rely on seasonal rains for cultivation.
He noted that delayed rains, prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution had disrupted planting activities in many farming communities.
“Farmers who depend heavily on seasonal rains are facing serious challenges due to delayed rainfall, unexpected dry spells and irregular weather conditions,” the statement said.
Yakubu explained that while some areas experienced heavy rainfall followed by long periods without rain, others recorded little or no rainfall at all.
According to him, the development has affected crop growth and forced some farmers to replant after seeds failed to germinate or dried up shortly after planting.
He stated that staple crops such as maize, millet, rice and beans require stable rainfall for proper growth, warning that continued weather instability could reduce harvests and increase production costs for farmers.
The statement also noted that livestock farmers were facing increasing pressure as water sources shrink and grazing areas become less productive.
“This situation has caused confusion among farmers and has affected crop growth,” Yakubu stated.
He attributed the changing weather conditions to the growing impact of climate change, stressing that rising temperatures and environmental degradation were altering rainfall patterns in many parts of the country.
The organisation urged farmers to embrace irrigation, drought-resistant seeds and improved water management practices to reduce losses during the farming season.
It also called on government and agricultural stakeholders to provide farmers with timely weather forecasts and stronger support to cushion the impact of climate-related challenges.