…As Piggery Farmers Advised Against Predicted African Swipe Fever In August
A non governmental organization ” bridge thatgap” has held a media Roundtable on the role of the media in Early Warning Early Response on climate change.
The event was also aimed at facilitating knowledge sharing among the media and CSOs, identifying gaps and strengthening actions, promoting effective media practice by improving the understanding of media profession for reporting early warning and signs as well as responses and collaborative opportunities among media organizations, relevant stakeholders and Early Warning system providers.
Participants at the event who avowed their commitment to doing the needful, were worried about the negative impacts of Climate Change on human and social economic sectors.
The rate of deforestation arising from indiscriminate cutting down of trees for
chacoal as a means of livelihood without replanting in most rural communities was deliberated.
To this end, it was resolved by the participants and the NGO to Undertake an impact assessment tour of targeted Communities in parts of the State.
Speaking on the Early Warning System for the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Suzan Nathaniel- Istifanus of the bridgethatgap said the document highlights the socioeconomic implications on various sectors including agriculture.
Fish farmers, she said, have been advised to minimize feeding the fish in area where warmer than normal temperature occured. They are also advised to construct earthen ponds from One to two months before the onset of rain to achieve maximum results.
On Piggery, Suzan said the document disclosed the possibility of African Swine Fever during the little dry season (August Break) hence the need for farmers to engage biosecurity.
She further stressed the need for poultry farmers to lower stocking density during the Stress period which is February to May due to the predicted warmer than normal temperature.
On rainfall onset dates, Suzan said most parts of the country are expected to experience shorter length of Season, while few others, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom are likely to experience a long and length of season.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Team Lead of bridgethatgap, Gloria K. Bulus described the media as not only an amplifier of their voices but watch dog of the society, environment inclusive.
” There is no way our voices or advocacy can be heard without having the media supporting us. We hold the media in high esteem.We have practicing journalists that are passionate and very supportive of our work”, she said.
She also spoke on Kaduna State Government policy on Climate Change, budget allocation to the Ministry of Environment, cutting down of trees and farmers inability to go to farm due to insecurity.
