Climate change: CSO asks govt to provide resilient seed varieties to farmers
Following the negative impact of climate change on food crops, a Civil Society Organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Clement Isong Foundation, has called on government at all levels to provide improved and resilient seed varieties to farmers. In a communique issued on Friday at the end of a Budget and Climate Accountability townhall organized by the Foundation in collaboration with ActionAid and Danish International Development Agency, the group said such gesture will build confidence among farmers. It also urged governments to come up with climate change amelioration and mitigation programs that would reduce the losses incurred by farmers as a result of the phenomenon. The group added that issues surrounding agricultural adaptation should also be given a critical attention. The communique said, "Government should set up a quick response unit in all the agricultural zones and local government areas of the state. Aggressive execution of awareness creation on climate change impact within farming communities in Akwa Ibom State. "Government should ensure prompt supply of improved and resilient seed varieties, and grants to individual farmers who have suffered losses. ''Climate change amelioration and mitigation programs should target all farmers irrespective of where they are. Issues surrounding agricultural adaptation should be given critical attention, as farmers must adapt first before mitigating."