Ekiti farmers increase irrigation and shade to combat extreme heatwave

Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria, have increased irrigation and implemented new protective measures to save their crops and livestock from intense heat.

Sunday Adekogbon, the state chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said members are now watering arable crops three times a week instead of once a week. Farmers also shifted their work schedules to early mornings and late evenings to avoid the peak sun.

To protect animals, farmers are providing cool drinking water and improving ventilation and shade in livestock areas. Adekogbon said the association is encouraging livestock owners to use a new veterinary hospital built with support from the World Bank. These measures aim to reduce losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns. While irrigation is more expensive, farmers use it to manage the lack of consistent rainfall as the climate changes.