Radio Stations Should Dedicate More Airtime To Help Farmers Adapt To New Challenges of Climate Change – Bamidele
The Convener of Society for Journalism Enhancement Initiative, S4JEI, Dr. Gbemiga Bamidele has urged radio stations in Nigeria to dedicate more airtime to raising awareness about the impacts of climate change, specifically its effect on farming.
According to Dr. Bamidele, this would enable the government and stakeholders to mitigate its negative consequences and ensure long-term food security for the nation.
Speaking on the theme of the 2025 “Radio and Climate Change”, Dr. Bamidele argued that to ensure food security in Nigeria in a time when climate change continues to disrupt the global agricultural sector, radio stations, which hold a unique influence in Nigerian society, could play a pivotal role in educating and informing the public.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate challenge that farmers face on a daily basis. From irregular rainfall patterns to more frequent droughts, the agricultural sector has become increasingly vulnerable. In Nigeria, where agriculture is a major contributor to the economy, these disruptions have dire consequences on food production. Radio, with its vast reach, remains a critical tool in addressing these issues at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Bamidele emphasised that, by allotting more airtime to discussions around climate change and its agricultural impacts, radio Stations could help farmers adapt to new challenges, promote sustainable practices, and encourage policymakers to take urgent actions towards climate resilience.
The role of radio in rural areas, where information dissemination is sometimes limited, is particularly crucial. Radio has long been a source of education and information in Nigeria. From health campaigns to political awareness, radio broadcasts have empowered local communities with essential knowledge. Now, with the threat of climate change looming large, radio stations have the potential to further amplify discussions on agricultural sustainability, water conservation, soil health, and effective climate adaptation strategies.”
A key aspect of Dr. Bamidele’s message is the need to empower farmers with the right knowledge to tackle climate – related challenges, calling for Radio programmes that focus on practical advice for farmers—such as crop rotation, irrigation techniques, and pest control—can help boost productivity and reduce losses caused by extreme weather events as well as sharing success stories from other regions to inspire positive change and innovation among local farmers.
Food security is a critical issue for Nigeria, and with climate change exacerbating the challenges, the need for concerted action has never been greater. By providing timely and relevant information, radio can play a vital role in ensuring that farmers are equipped to continue producing food in the face of a changing climate. Dr. Bamidele’s call is a reminder that we must come together as a society—through media, policy, and education—to secure a sustainable future for all.”
