African governments have been urged to make climate-smart policies a national priority to protect food production, strengthen economies and improve the livelihoods of millions threatened by climate change.

The warning came from Prof. Edwin Momoh, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Ernest Bai Koroma University, Sierra Leone, during the third Distinguished Public Lecture at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Speaking on “Climate Change and Food Security in Africa: Impact on Agriculture, Access and Adaptation,” the crop scientist described climate change as the defining global challenge of the century, warning that Africa faces some of its worst consequences despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is one of the most vulnerable continents,” Prof. Momoh said. “Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies and the primary source of food and livelihoods for millions.”

He said rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, floods, desertification and soil erosion are already reducing agricultural productivity across many parts of the continent.

Why it matters

Agriculture employs a large proportion of Africa’s workforce and remains central to food supply, rural livelihoods and national economies.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that without stronger climate adaptation measures, crop yields could decline further, increasing food prices, poverty and migration while putting greater pressure on governments.

Prof. Momoh argued that the crisis should also be viewed as an opportunity to modernise African agriculture through innovation and regional cooperation.

Climate-smart solutions

The Sierra Leonean scholar called on governments to invest in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Climate-Resilient Food Systems (CRFS), and the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity.

He also advocated developing drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, flood-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, noting that similar approaches are already being piloted in Sierra Leone.

Other recommendations included expanding ecosystem monitoring, promoting nature-based agricultural practices, improving access to climate information services and financing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to support farmers.

“Moving forward requires unequivocal government commitment and sustained investment in research, people, and institutions,” Prof. Momoh said. “By combining gender equity, social protection, market access, and ecological innovation, policymakers can reduce vulnerability and build food systems that absorb, adapt, and transform in a warming climate.”

University calls for environmental action

Welcoming participants, OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor Prof. Temi Ologunorisa urged governments, organisations and citizens to intensify tree-planting campaigns as part of efforts to reduce the impact of climate change.

“Planting trees absorbs carbon causing global warming and releases oxygen that protects human health and prolongs life,” he said.

Chairman of the event, HRM Prof. Oba Sunday Amuseghan, the Kalasuwe of Apoiland and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Fortune, Igbotako, described the lecture as “apt and timely” for Africa’s future.

Expert perspective

Climate and agricultural experts have consistently stressed that climate adaptation must go beyond emergency responses to include long-term investment in research, improved farming practices, resilient infrastructure and access to finance for farmers.

They argue that stronger collaboration between governments, research institutions and the private sector will be essential if African countries are to meet growing food demand while adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Public and industry perspective

For farmers and consumers, improved climate policies could help stabilise food production, reduce crop losses and moderate food prices over time.

Agricultural stakeholders also believe wider adoption of climate-smart technologies could create jobs, encourage innovation and strengthen regional food security.

What’s next?

The lecture concluded with an award presentation to Prof. Momoh in recognition of his contributions to agricultural research and climate advocacy.

The event drew scholars, policymakers, traditional rulers, agricultural practitioners, security officials, students, community leaders and members of the public, highlighting growing concern over the links between climate change and food security across Africa.

Property owners in Lagos should construct drainage channels around their homes instead of waiting for government intervention, according to the Managing Director of Frontier Commercial Services, Mr. Olalekan Oseni, who says individual responsibility is key to reducing the impact of flash floods.

Speaking during a press briefing at the company’s office on Monday, Oseni said recent flooding across Lagos has exposed long-standing weaknesses in urban planning and drainage infrastructure, with blocked waterways and the absence of proper drainage contributing significantly to the crisis.

Why it matters

Heavy rainfall over the past few days left many roads, homes and businesses across Lagos submerged, disrupting transportation, damaging property and affecting economic activities.

Experts have repeatedly warned that rapid urban development, inadequate drainage systems and climate change are increasing the frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Oseni argued that while government has a responsibility to provide major drainage infrastructure, residents also have a duty to ensure water can flow freely around their properties.

“Once you move into a house, you must have drainage, and it must be connected,” he said.

He questioned why many homeowners invest heavily in constructing buildings but neglect drainage systems that could protect both their homes and neighbouring communities.

“You can use thousands of blocks to build a house, but using a few hundred blocks to construct drainage shouldn’t be a problem,” he said.

According to him, many residents focus only on beautifying their homes while ignoring the surrounding environment.

“You are so much concerned about the inside, but you don’t care about what goes on outside, forgetting that whatever happens outside will eventually affect you.”

Debate over government’s role

During the briefing, another participant argued that drainage construction is primarily the responsibility of government, noting that in some cases authorities later demolish privately built drainage channels during road construction.

The participant said residents could become discouraged from investing in drainage infrastructure if government projects later alter or remove their work.

Oseni disagreed, insisting that waiting for government alone is no longer sustainable.

“I’m not talking about major roads or state highways. I’m talking about our streets. Before government comes, let’s have something that can still serve.”

He maintained that government can later improve or expand existing drainage where necessary but that residents should not leave their surroundings without any drainage at all.

“If government comes and wants to build something better, they can follow the existing line. But having nothing at all is the real challenge.”

Climate change increasing flood risks

Oseni also linked the recent flooding to changing weather patterns and rising sea levels, warning that Lagos is becoming increasingly vulnerable to flash floods.

He explained that flash flooding often occurs in areas that have never experienced serious flooding before because heavy rainfall has nowhere to drain.

“If you don’t create a way for me, I will take whatever I like. That is what erosion is saying,” he remarked while describing how floodwater naturally seeks its own path.

According to him, even relatively small drainage channels can reduce flooding if they remain open and free from blockages.

“No matter how small a drainage is, let there be a path for water to flow.”

He added that blocked drainage systems are almost as dangerous as having none at all, because trapped water quickly overflows into roads and residential areas.

“There are places where we already have drainage, but they are blocked. So how do you expect water to flow?”

Oseni also warned that rising sea levels, which scientists have projected for years, are now becoming an increasing reality for coastal cities such as Lagos.

“The sea level is already high,” he said.

Expert perspective

Urban planning experts have long argued that reducing flood risks requires a combination of public infrastructure investment, effective waste management, stricter building regulations and greater community participation.

Environmental specialists also say indiscriminate disposal of refuse into drainage channels continues to reduce the capacity of stormwater systems across many Nigerian cities.

Public impact

For many Lagos residents, repeated flooding means damaged homes, stalled businesses, traffic congestion, increased health risks and rising repair costs.

Experts say improving drainage around homes, keeping existing channels free from waste and enforcing planning regulations could significantly reduce the impact of future heavy rainfall.

What’s next?

With the rainy season continuing, environmental authorities are expected to intensify public awareness campaigns on flood prevention while local governments may face renewed calls to improve drainage infrastructure and enforce environmental sanitation laws.

For residents, the message from the briefing was clear: preventing floods requires both government action and personal responsibility.

The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) Coalition has launched a major research project across 20 African countries aimed at assessing how effectively environmental rights are being protected and enforced.

The initiative, officially launched on 1 July, forms part of a five-year programme supported by the Open Society Foundations (OSF) to strengthen environmental governance and lay the groundwork for a regional framework on environmental rights across Africa.

Why it matters

The research comes as many African countries face growing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Campaigners also say environmental and land defenders across the continent increasingly face intimidation, harassment, criminalisation and violence while protecting their communities and natural resources.

Over the next three months, researchers will assess constitutional protections, environmental laws, governance systems and civic space in participating countries.

They will also examine whether communities have access to environmental information, can participate in decision-making and are able to seek justice when environmental rights are violated.

Nigeria among participating countries

In Nigeria, the study will be carried out by the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative (Peoples Advocates) in collaboration with the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI).

Research will also take place in Senegal, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea; Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi; Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo; Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe; and Egypt, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia.

Researchers will use a common methodology combining policy reviews, interviews with key stakeholders and focus group discussions to ensure the findings reflect both legal frameworks and the experiences of affected communities.

Women, young people, Indigenous Peoples, environmental defenders and other marginalised groups are expected to play a central role in the research.

Coalition: ‘These case studies are about people’

ERA Steering Committee Chair Ahmad Abdallah said the initiative is intended to strengthen advocacy as well as generate evidence for policy reform.

“These case studies are about people as much as they are about policies. African communities are defending their lands, forests, rivers, and livelihoods under increasingly difficult circumstances. By documenting both progress and persistent challenges, this research will amplify local voices, strengthen national advocacy, and contribute to a shared continental vision for environmental rights.”

The coalition said the studies would identify legal, policy and institutional gaps, document successful approaches and recommend reforms that could improve environmental governance across Africa.

Expert perspective

Environmental governance experts say evidence-based assessments are increasingly important as African governments seek to balance economic development with environmental protection.

Comparable data from multiple countries could help policymakers identify common challenges, share successful approaches and strengthen regional cooperation on environmental governance.

What happens next?

Once completed, the national studies will be consolidated into a continental report highlighting regional trends, examples of good practice and recommendations for governments, civil society organisations and development partners.

ERA is also encouraging governments, academic institutions, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, environmental defenders and private sector organisations to cooperate with researchers during the study.

The bigger picture

Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) is a coalition of more than 75 civil society organisations and grassroots movements working in over 40 African countries to promote environmental rights, strengthen governance and protect environmental and land defenders.

The coalition says the research is intended to provide practical evidence that supports environmental justice and helps shape future regional policy across Africa.