Nigeria: Heatwave - Ekiti Farmers Increase Irrigation, Adopt Measures to Protect Crops, Livestock

What the report says

Farmers in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria, are stepping up irrigation and other safeguards as an unusually hot spell raises concerns about crop and livestock losses, according to a report published by Leadership and distributed by AllAfrica. The article says the response is being coordinated by the state chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Sunday Adekogbon, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti.

Reported measures include giving animals cool drinking water, providing shade and better ventilation for livestock housing, and increasing watering schedules for crops. The article says some farmers who previously irrigated once a week have moved to watering three times weekly because of the harsh conditions. It also notes advice for farmers to seek help at a newly inaugurated veterinary hospital linked to the state government and supported through World Bank facilitation.

Adekogbon said the heat has made farming more expensive and less predictable, especially as rainfall patterns have become harder to anticipate. The report adds that farmers are adjusting by working very early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower, and by staying hydrated throughout the day. The development highlights how climate stress is affecting day-to-day agricultural decisions in the region, with farmers trying to reduce losses while keeping production going.