From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has reaffirmed commitment towards advancing climate-smart agriculture research through a strategic partnership between the National Water Resources Institute and the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.
Prof Utsev stated this when he hosted the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, Prof. Kevin Jones and his team in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement signed by Director, Information and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Funmi Imuetinyan in Abuja.
The statement 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.
It 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.
According to the statement, the Minister appreciate Prof. Kevin Jones and his team for their visit, expressing optimism about fostering a sustained partnership for mutual growth and development.
The statement said earlier, the leader of the delegation, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth, Prof. Kevin Jones outlines 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.
It added that the director of Sustainable Earth Institute and a key contributor to the UNESCO International Sediment Initiative, Professor William Blake, highlights 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, emphasizes 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.
The statement further explained that 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.