Devastating Flooding Impacts Rice Farmers in Kwara State
Kwara State is currently facing a significant crisis as an unprecedented dry season flooding has devastated thousands of hectares of rice farmland. Recent reports indicate that over 5,000 rice farmers in three local government areas have suffered losses estimated at N11.5 billion, with approximately 3,000 hectares of farmland submerged.
The flooding, which occurred on January 25, 2025, amidst the typically dry season, has raised serious concerns regarding food security in Nigeria. As the country struggles with increasing food shortages, the impact on Shonga Rice Farm in Edu Local Government Area, which was heavily affected, has compounded these worries.
Official data from the Central Bank of Nigeria revealed that Nigeria’s paddy rice production reached an all-time high of 8.9 million metric tonnes in 2023. In contrast, Kwara State alone contributed over 102,000 metric tonnes during both wet and dry seasons. Prior to recent agricultural advancements, Kwara was not recognized as a notable rice-producing state until recent years, with significant investments resulting in its current status as a top producer.
Dr. Ahmed Saba, the state chairman of the Rice Farmers Association, expressed his shock at the extent of the devastation. He remarked, “We were not prepared for this flooding during the dry season, especially given that this area is typically affected during the wet season.” The flooding is believed to have stemmed from the opening of the Jebba Dam, which Saba claimed warrants an investigation due to its timing and impact on local farmers.
The situation worsens as the local communities, particularly in Edu, Patigi, and Moro, see a drastic reduction in rice production capabilities, threatening the livelihoods of approximately 5,000 farming families. Reports indicate that at least one life was lost due to the disaster, underscoring the urgent need for governmental intervention.
Community leaders have voiced their distress over the losses, with calls for immediate government assistance to help the farmers recover. Affected farmers have also urged for long-term solutions, such as dredging the River Niger to prevent future flooding.
As a response, the Kwara State government has mobilized delegations to assess the damage and provide relief materials to affected farmers. These efforts are focused on reinforcing the community’s resilience against such environmental disasters in the future.
The flood’s unprecedented nature has observers calling for thorough investigations and immediate action to safeguard food security in the region. Local leaders emphasize the critical need for collaboration between farming communities and government agencies to address the challenges posed by climate-related disasters effectively.
