Paschal Nnaemeka, a renowned agronomist, agricultural expert and crop scientist, has offered  advice to farmers facing the challenges of farming in areas with low rainfall, such as Illewo, a village in Abeokuta North, Ogun State Nigeria, where clouds gather but rarely result in rain. In his commentary, Nnaemeka emphasized that while farming in these regions can be challenging, success is possible through strategic water management and the use of drought-tolerant crops.

“Farmers need to adopt water-efficient practices like rainwater harvesting, irrigation systems, and soil moisture conservation,” Nnaemeka stated. He highlighted that crops such as millet, sorghum, and cassava are better suited to these conditions due to their ability to withstand dry spells. Additionally, techniques like mulching and soil monitoring can help maximize water retention.

While acknowledging the difficulties, Nnaemeka noted that with the right approach, farming in these areas remains viable. For larger operations, he suggested supplemental irrigation or considering regions with more predictable rainfall for consistent crop production.

Nnaemeka’s advice comes as many farmers in Illewo and similar regions seek sustainable solutions in the face of erratic weather patterns.