Addressing Climate Impact on Nutrition and Food Security

Addressing Climate Impact on Nutrition and Food Security Panel Session at the 2024 Future of Health Conference in Abuja

By Atinuke Adeosun

Climate change, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, is causing severe shifts in weather patterns, which in turn are impacting health and food security worldwide.

In Nigeria, the impacts of climate change on health and food security are becoming increasingly severe. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and flooding disrupt agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields and food shortages across the country. This instability hits hardest in the northern regions, where farming communities face prolonged dry spells followed by sudden, intense rains that destroy crops and degrade soil quality. Additionally, displacement due to both climate change and conflict has led to food insecurity, malnutrition, and increased health risks for vulnerable populations, especially women and children. As food prices rise and traditional farming practices become less reliable, Nigeria faces an urgent need for sustainable, climate-smart agriculture and robust health response to address the growing burden of malnutrition and climate-related illnesses.

At the recent Nigeria Health Watch’s Future of Health Conference, an expert panel gathered to discuss the profound effects of climate change on food security and nutrition, a topic critical to Nigeria’s future. Moderated by Safiya Shuaibu Isa, Deputy Director of Advocacy and Partnerships, the panel featured Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment; Rep. Sir Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, former chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change; Dr. Hussaini Abdu, an international development specialist; and Ritgak Tilley-Gyado from the World Bank’s Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria program.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe’s Insights on Climate and Health

“Primary healthcare is the future of health.”

Dr. Fasawe emphasized the strong link between climate change and health, focusing on air quality, nutrition, and the environment. She mentioned, “Air quality impacts the health of entire communities. Pollution is a significant factor, especially in urban areas, where issues like air pollution are literally a matter of life and death.” Dr. Fasawe highlighted a tragic event in Abuja where heat and poor air quality led to several heat-related deaths, illustrating the direct impact of climate on health.

She further discussed food quality, noting, “Food security is not just about availability but also about quality. High carbon dioxide levels decrease essential nutrients in staple crops, leading to malnutrition.” This demonstrates the urgent need to address climate and nutrition holistically, starting with cleaner air and sustainable agricultural practices.

Legislative Approach to Climate Change — Rep. Onuigbo’s Perspective

Rep. Onuigbo elaborated on the significance of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, which he helped draft and pass. He explained, “The Climate Change Act is a critical step forward. It provides a structured approach to address climate change, bringing together various sectors under a comprehensive framework.” He shared that the Act requires every government ministry to establish a climate change desk, ensuring integration across all sectors, from health to agriculture.

To strengthen food security, Rep. Onuigbo advocated for mainstreaming climate action at the national and sub-national levels, saying, “Climate change governance must extend to the local level. National policies need local implementation to ensure the entire country is resilient.”

Hussaini Abdu on Nutrition and Humanitarian Response

Hussaini Abdu provided a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s ongoing nutrition crisis. He explained, “In Nigeria, the nutrition crisis is longstanding, worsened by structural issues and cultural norms, as well as escalating conflicts that hinder food production.” He emphasized the need for targeted nutrition programs, especially in conflict-prone regions.

Abdu highlighted the importance of locally-led solutions: “We must engage communities directly to achieve long-lasting impact. If we don’t involve them, our policies risk missing the mark.” By addressing both acute and chronic malnutrition, Abdu believes Nigeria can strengthen its food security amidst climate threats.

World Bank’s Strategies for Nutrition and Climate Resilience

Ritgak Tilley-Gyado from the World Bank shared strategies to combat malnutrition through health systems, food systems, and social protection. She emphasized the need for climate-smart food systems that adapt to changing temperatures and extreme weather patterns. Tilley-Gyado noted, “Climate change affects food systems on multiple levels. We need to invest in drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and early warning systems to guide farmers.”

She also highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition into climate policies, stating, “Nutrition policies need climate-smart measures, and climate policies should include nutrition goals. This cross-sectoral approach is essential to building resilience.”

Dr. Fasawe on Food as a Basic Necessity

Dr. Fasawe emphasized that food, water, and clean air are fundamental to human health and survival. She pointed out how climate change reduces the quality and availability of these resources. She stated, “We are witnessing desertification and deforestation on a large scale, threatening our food supply.”

She noted the rise in food prices due to these challenges, recalling, “Growing up, a basket of tomatoes was affordable, but now, a single tomato can cost the same as that entire basket used to.” This highlights the struggle families face to access nutritious food amidst climate-induced resource scarcity.

Impact of Climate on Agricultural Practices

The panel discussed the necessity of adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices to mitigate food shortages. Dr. Fasawe remarked on the crucial role of drought-resistant crops in battling climate challenges, adding that “in regions prone to extreme weather, traditional farming methods are increasingly ineffective.”

Tilley-Gyado further explained that climate change disrupts farming seasons, citing last year’s droughts and floods in Nigeria. She stressed, “Our agriculture needs to shift toward climate-smart practices, like agroforestry and water-efficient irrigation, to build resilience.”

Climate Finance and Supporting Local Farmers

The panelists also discussed funding mechanisms for climate-resilient agriculture. Tilley-Gyado mentioned the Climate Fund Accelerator, an initiative by the Nigerian government to help small farmers and businesses. “Financing is available, but projects need to meet technical criteria,” she explained, emphasizing the need for “bankable projects” to attract investment.

Rep. Onuigbo stressed the importance of transparent financial management to prevent misuse of climate funds. He explained, “The Climate Change Act ensures a central body oversees funding, tracking it carefully to avoid corruption.”

Community Involvement in Climate-Smart Agriculture

Dr. Abdu called for grassroots action to empower communities to adopt climate-smart practices. He pointed out the importance of accessible information, stating, “We must revive direct communication channels like extension services, rather than relying on online platforms that many farmers can’t access.”

By engaging local communities and providing relevant training, the panelists highlighted the importance of community resilience in achieving long-term food security.

What is the Way Forward?

Dr. Abdu emphasized that Nigeria’s policies must go beyond ‘burial grounds for good ideas’ to actionable, sustained change. Dr. Fasawe underscored his statement and emphasized that we should “prioritize actionable outcomes that empower communities to overcome the challenges of food insecurity.”

Shades of Us is deeply invested in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, health, and food security. Climate change impacts every aspect of food security and nutrition in Nigeria. With combined efforts across government, civil society, and international partnerships, Nigeria can foster a future where sustainable agriculture and resilient health systems become the norm. With legislative backing, community involvement, and innovative agricultural practices, Nigeria can strengthen its resilience to climate change, protecting its food security and the health of its citizens. This call to action encourages every sector to join forces in building a sustainable future.

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