Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for urgent investment in large-scale irrigation farming as a strategic solution to the deepening food insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin region.
Speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Zulum emphasized that the region’s vast arable land and water resources must be harnessed to boost food production and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
“We need to invest in irrigation. Irrigated agriculture is the only solution. Unfortunately, our investment in this sector remains very low despite having over 70% arable land in Borno State alone,” Zulum stated.
The governor, who spoke alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and FAO Country Director, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, stressed that reliance on traditional subsistence farming is no longer sustainable due to climate change and population growth.
“There is increasing population growth, yet food production is declining due to overdependence on rainfall. We must explore surface and drip irrigation systems to ensure year-round farming and efficient water use,” he added.
Beyond crops, Zulum also advocated for livestock development, noting that the Lake Chad Basin is the region’s leading livestock producer. He proposed that irrigation farms could also support pasture cultivation, boosting beef and milk production.
With strong political will and support from regional governments, development partners, and the United Nations, Zulum believes large-scale irrigation farming could revolutionize food security in the Lake Chad Basin.
Will regional leaders heed the call?
About The Author
