African Leaders Must Abandon Rain-Fed Agriculture – Zulum

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has urged African leaders to move away from the traditional reliance on rain-fed agriculture and instead embrace irrigation-based and climate-smart farming practices as a way to secure the continent’s future food supply.

Speaking at the 6th African Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) held Monday in Abuja, Governor Zulum said Africa can no longer afford to depend solely on seasonal rainfall for farming if it hopes to feed its growing population.

“To feed ourselves sustainably, we must rethink how we grow our food,” Zulum said. “Transitioning from rain-dependent systems to resilient, water-smart approaches is imperative.”

He stressed the importance of investing in efficient and inclusive irrigation infrastructure while promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.

According to him, achieving food security on the continent would also require empowering research institutions, fostering innovation, and ensuring that women and young people are actively involved in agriculture.

Drawing from his own experience, Zulum noted that agriculture has been a powerful tool for rebuilding communities affected by conflict and climate change in the northeast.

“In Borno State, we are laying the groundwork for agricultural transformation through sustainable irrigation initiatives,” he said, calling for collective commitment from African leaders to adopt long-term strategies that go beyond seasonal farming.

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