Expert speaks on Economic Value of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Nigeria

By Tosin Clegg

As the world continues to grapple with the dual challenge of food insecurity and climate change, an expert in development economics, Emmanuel Umoru Haruna, is leading efforts to reimagine Nigeria’s agricultural economy through the lens of sustainability and green innovation. Nigeria’s economy has always been primarily dependent on its farmers. Agriculture employs more than one-third of the labor force and remains the primary source of income for rural households. However, changing weather patterns are influencing how farmers cultivate, harvest, and live. Flooding in the North, extended droughts in the Middle Belt, and soil deterioration in the South are becoming the new normal. These shocks reduce crop yields, increase post-harvest losses, and drive up food costs, forcing more Nigerians into poverty. With more than 12 years of experience spanning international development, economic policy formulation, and macroeconomic planning, Haruna has emerged as a strong advocate for climate-smart agriculture as a pathway to resilient growth and inclusive prosperity in Africa’s largest economy.

Haruna worked as an intern in the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. His research focuses on sustainable and green financing instruments such as green bonds, blended finance, and debt-for-climate swaps—tools that could be game changers for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. His work emphasizes how integrating environmental sustainability into macroeconomic policies can unlock new investment frontiers while reducing the vulnerabilities of rural farmers to erratic weather patterns and environmental shocks. Haruna’s recent research, published in Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, investigated at how farmers in Nigeria and Ethiopia perceive and respond to climate change. The findings were outstanding. Rural farmers are not passive victims of climate change; many are already innovating, often unaware that their actions are consistent with global principles of climate-smart agriculture. Farmers are experimenting with sustainable approaches, such as utilizing organic manure and compost, rotating crops, and planting trees to decrease erosion, that, if properly supported, might form the foundation of a new green economy.

Haruna’s perspective draws from a deep understanding of economic development at both policy and grassroots levels. During his tenure as Senior Economic Policy and Research Analyst at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, he played a central role in designing and implementing key national frameworks such as the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017–2020), the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (2017–2019), and the Strategic Implementation Plan for the 2016 budget. “Climate-smart agriculture is not just an environmental solution; it is an economic imperative,” Haruna explains. “By improving agricultural productivity while reducing carbon emissions, Nigeria can transform its rural economy and strengthen food systems in ways that create jobs, reduce poverty, and attract sustainable financing.” In practical terms, it means adopting methods that conserve water, improve soil health, diversify crops, and integrate renewable energy and digital innovation into farming. For Nigeria, this approach is more than just an environmental solution; it is an economic strategy. By incorporating CSA into national and state development plans, Nigeria may increase its food supply, attract green investment, and create jobs in agro-processing, renewable energy, and sustainable financing. Every hectare converted to climate-smart farming has the potential to increase farmers’ revenue while lowering consumer costs.

As Nigeria and other developing nations confront mounting climate risks, Haruna believes that transitioning to green opportunities through climate-smart agriculture offers a path toward long-term resilience. His vision aligns with global calls for sustainable food systems that integrate innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. “The future of Nigeria’s economy,” he concludes, “depends on our ability to invest in systems that work with nature, not against it. Climate-smart agriculture can help us feed our people, create wealth, and secure our environment for future generations.” The research revealed that a farmer’s decision to implement climate-smart practices is influenced by more than just awareness of climate change. Income level, land size, education, and access to extension services are all important factors. Wealthier households and those with larger plots are more willing to try out new technologies, but poorer households frequently lack the resources or confidence to invest in adaptation.

Emmanuel Umoru Haruna’s work reflects the emerging consensus that the next frontier of economic growth in Africa will be green, data-driven, and inclusive—anchored on a vision where sustainability is not an option, but a necessity for national development.” This points to a deeper economic reality: adaptation is costly. Farmers need access to credit, stable markets, and affordable insurance to take risks on new methods. Without financial inclusion and institutional support, many will remain trapped in low-productivity cycles. That is why linking CSA with innovative financing — such as green bonds, micro-insurance, and blended finance — could change the game. The study also revealed an important result about the role of information. Many farmers recognize that the weather has changed, but many do not associate their experiences with long-term climatic shifts. Despite the fact that they live with the effects of climate change on a daily basis, just a small percentage of rural Nigerians are familiar with the term. This knowledge gap hinders the adoption of smart farming techniques. Strengthening agricultural extension services and communicating climate information in local languages through local media, mobile platforms, and traditional institutions has the potential to greatly boost awareness and adoption.

According to Haruna, “the economic reasoning is straightforward: increased productivity raises household income, which boosts spending and supports other industries.” In rural economies, every extra naira earned by farmers circulates through local markets, creating demand for goods, services, and labor. Furthermore, the environmental benefits—improved soil fertility, reduced erosion, and restored biodiversity—provide a more stable long-term base for economic growth. The transition to climate-smart agriculture necessitates more than pilot projects; it requires coherent policies and continuous investment. Nigeria’s agricultural and economic planning frameworks acknowledge the significance of sustainability; even though implementation is weak. The government needs to integrate climate-smart agriculture into fiscal and development planning by promoting collaboration among the ministries of agriculture, finance, and environment to create green investment frameworks that direct funds towards sustainable farming infrastructure, renewable energy for irrigation, and agro-processing zones. It should also assist farmers through specific incentives such as subsidies, tax exemptions, and concessional loans to promote the implementation of efficient irrigation systems, solar dryers, and biofertilizers, while investing in rural infrastructure including roads, storage facilities, and broadband access to mitigate post-harvest losses and link farmers to markets and information. Moreover, fostering research and data collaboration among universities, agricultural institutions, and meteorological agencies is crucial for formulating region-specific adaptation strategies. Additionally, enhancing access to climate finance via green bonds and blended-finance mechanisms can draw private investment while protecting smallholders from climate-related risks. When well-managed, these measures could propel Nigeria’s agricultural sector to a leading driver of sustainable prosperity throughout Africa.

Beyond policies and numbers, climate-smart agriculture is about people, particularly the millions of smallholder farmers who feed the country. These farmers are business owners, scientists, and environmental stewards in their own right. Their decisions shape the success of Nigeria’s food systems. Empowering them through education, technology, and fair marketplaces is not charity; it is just economics. Climate change is often seen as a threat in Nigerian development debates, but it can also serve as a stimulus for innovation. Transitioning to a green economy can help diversify revenue, reduce reliance on imported goods, and provide millions of employments in renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

The future of Nigeria’s economy is dependent on investing in systems that operate with, rather than against, nature. Climate-smart agriculture provides a tried-and-true method for feeding our population, growing our economy, and protecting the environment. It’s time to shift from rhetoric to action—from reactive catastrophe relief to proactive adaptation planning. If Nigeria can integrate its agricultural transformation with the global green agenda, it will not only protect its food systems but also establish itself as a leader in Africa’s climate-resilient future. The task ahead is critical yet achievable. Every investment in a farmer’s resilience today benefits the nation’s prosperity tomorrow.