Environmentalist advocates farmers’ access to information on climate change

An environmentalist, Habib Omotosho, on Wednesday called for effective and reliable access to information to dissuade farmers’ minds from spiritual dimension attached to climate change.

Omotosho, the National Coordinator, Environmental Advancement Initiatives, an NGO, made the call in Abuja.

“Lack of effective access to information hinders rural farmers’ understanding on climate change.

“Thus, there is need for effective and reliable access to information on changing climate to dissuade farmers mind from the spiritual angle.

“In addition, empowerment, such as credit or grant facilities, is crucial in enhancing farmers’ awareness. This is vital for adaptation, decision making and planning.

“Combining access to extension services and credit, will ensure that farmers have the information for decision making and the means to take up relevant adaptation measures,’’ he said.

Omotosho said that farmers, particularly rural women, should be made to understand that deforestation and tree felling had negative effects on climate change.

He said that trees were very important to the ecosystem, as they absorbed the harmful carbon dioxide and released the life-sustaining oxygen into the atmosphere, thus acting as natural friends of humans.

“Besides, the ecologist said that trees absorb water in large quantities during heavy rains.

“Due to large-scale deforestation, there were fewer trees around to absorb and retain water and this had led to heavy floods, causing heavy losses of lives and property.

“Tree is necessary for rain; it creates cold and humid atmosphere required for rain. Whenever it rains, trees hold the water and somewhat prevent floods.

“Trees provide food for humans and animals; if we continue to cut down trees indiscriminately, our action will definitely affect our rainfall patterns,’’ he said.

Omotosho said that uncontrolled tree felling would also create an unstable atmosphere, which could lead to gradual destruction of the earth.

“When we cut down trees, we are taking a home away from animals.

“Trees cause shade and without the shade, the ground dries up faster, thereby depleting the soil’s nutrients,’’ he said.