By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, to advancing climate-smart agriculture research to be facilitated through a strategic partnership between the National Water Resources Institute and the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.
Prof. Utsev noted that no nation can thrive without prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and underscored the importance of food production in creating jobs, boosting the economy, and ensuring national prosperity.
A statement by the Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan,
Director, Information and Public Relations on Monday said the Minister assured the delegation that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be entered into between the two institutions will ensure alignment with the Ministry’s mandate.
The Minister expressed appreciation to Prof. Kevin Jones and his team for their visit, expressing optimism about fostering a sustained partnership for mutual growth and development.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, outlined the scope of the proposed research, which aims to address the complexities and unique challenges posed by climate change across different regions.
He emphasized the team’s commitment to developing effective, region-specific strategies for implementing climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, tailored to its environmental and socio-economic realities.
Also speaking, Professor William Blake, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute and a key contributor to the UNESCO International Sediment Initiative, highlighted the importance of fostering synergy among stakeholders to enhance the exchange of experiences and knowledge. He noted that this approach is critical for advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute, Prof. E.A. Adanu, emphasized the timeliness of research on climate-smart agriculture, particularly in addressing the adverse impacts of flooding on soil quality.
He explained that flooding significantly degrades soil by altering its structure and fertility. Additionally, he highlighted how the movement of soil, groundwater, and surface water caused by floods disrupts natural ecosystems and reshapes river systems.
These challenges, he said, underscore the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural research to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of flooding in the country.
Delegates from the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, including Dr. O.O. Yaya and Dr. Martin Eduvie, as well as Directors from the Ministry, were also present during the courtesy visit.
When finalized, the MoU will mark a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, advancing sustainable agriculture, and ensuring the well-being of Nigeria’s citizens.
