As the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project is in progress, the Kwara State Government has advocated for the adoption of climate-focused agriculture to ensure mitigation of the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.

The State Coordinator of the Project, Engr.Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, dropped this hint during sensitisation workshop organised for Women's Agricultural Cooperatives and Women's Small Medium Enterprises on climate-smart agricultural technologies held in Baruteen, Kaiama, Ifelodun, Asa and Moro Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

Busari, who disclosed that Kwara SAPZ project attaches great importance to the significance of environmental management, to engender increase in production, stated that the government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is dedicated to foregrounding climate-focused agriculture, to improve productivity and resilience.

Dr Busari who spoke through the Project Infrastructure Engineer, Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Olanrewaju Ariyo, explained that climate change is real, therefore, farmers need to be cognizant of the dynamic nature of the weather, to reduce losses.

He noted that Kwara women are hardworking and are always ready to play a role in agriculture and food system, adding that the women force should be used to enhance food security in order to improve the state's economy.

The coordinator reiterated that the State Government will continue to place women in prominent positions, especially in agric related projects, to ensure equality in gender participation, to aid yielding of agricultural products.

He explained that the sensitisation workshop is aimed at creating awareness and feasibility of the project, to the doorstep of the community stakeholders and also furnish them with the available agricultural technologies believed to engender better productivity for the participants.

According to him, "The SAPZ project in Kwara will foreground dairy and beef with some consideration for crop farming. I therefore urge you participants to replicate the knowledge received on climate-smart agricultural technology in your various communities, for the other group members to benefit."

The coordinator however warned that, climate change has effects on agricultural productivity, therefore enlightened them on the fact that, "adoption of climate-smart agricultural technology will control such effects."

While describing climate change as long-term changes in precipitation, temperature and other atmospheric conditions, the Resource Person, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, identified, with detailed illustrations, for the farmers agroforestry, backyard farming, planting of improved seeds, precision farming, climate-smart finance and others.

He observed that climate impact is higher on women compared to men at any disaster, ascribing this to lack of education and poverty among the former.

Some of the women farmers who attended the programme were appreciative of the project, as Deaconess Esther Bello and Olayemi Olaitan, from Baruteen, commended the initiative of Governor AbdulRaza- led administration, adding that, female farmers will forever be grateful to His Excellency, envisaging that the project will support farmers in the rural areas and bring to them a number of advantages that will improve their livelihood.

Also, Mrs. Mohammed Maimunat, who was one of the participants at the workshop, admitted that climate change affects the productivity of farmers in Kaiama, appealing to the government to intensify advocacy/enlightenment on the impacts of climate change.

The Farmers thereafter sought more support from the government, with a promise to be loyal and supportive of his administration.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

Kwara SAPZ Project