Day time temperature is likely to be above normal across the country this year, leading to losses of agricultural production, the Federal Government stated on Thursday.
It disclosed this in a report titled, “2023 Climate-Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies for Nigeria,” put together and released in Abuja by the National Emergency Management Agency.
In the report, obtained by our correspondent, the government explained that the climatic conditions of 2023 would have diverse impacts on various sectors of the economy, including agriculture.
On its impact in the agricultural sector, the report stated that the “onset of growing season is likely to range from early to normal in most parts of the country. Later than normal onset dates are expected over parts of northern states.”
It added, “Below normal rainfall is predicted over some places in the extreme North. This will result in water stress. Day time temperature is likely to be above normal all over the country.
“This will have adverse impact on domestic animals leading to losses. High pest and diseases will also lead to losses of agricultural production. High rainfall, relative humidity, winds, temperature and sunshine affect aquaculture.”
Commenting on the report, the Director-General, NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, stated that after the presentation of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in January, and the Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency in February, NEMA convened a technical meeting to review the two forecast documents.
“The technical meeting was attended by experts from relevant stakeholder organisations that thoroughly appraised the risk implications of the forecasts and developed an early warning document based on thematic sectors covered by both NIHSA and NIMET.
“This document is expected to aid responsible organisations carry out preparedness and mitigation actions to safeguard lives, livelihoods, properties and the environment against hydro meteorological hazards in Nigeria during the 2023 rainy season and beyond,” Ahmed stated.
He highlighted excerpts from the SCP, which predicted rainfall onset to be earlier than the long term average in most parts of the country.
“The prediction also indicated rainfall amounts range to be average and above average during the year. The exception to these is for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna and the FCT that are likely to observe below-average rainfall.
“Furthermore, states that are expected to record rainfall amounts of 2700mm and above are Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Cross River.
“Similarly, the 2023 AFO has revealed that a total of 66 Local Government Areas are at high flood risk in the months of April to June; 148 LGAs in July to September and 100 LGAs in the months of October and November,” Ahmed stated.
He said the forecasts had provided the much insights into what to expect ahead of this year’s raining season, adding that the reality was that this year might witness floods similar to what occurred last year if not more.
