Why Farmers Must Be at the Center of Environmental Policy

As the effects of climate change and environmental degradation become more visible, it is becoming increasingly clear that no environmental policy can truly succeed without putting farmers at the heart of the conversation.

Farmers are not only custodians of the land, but they are also among the first and most affected by changes in the environment. Unfortunately, their voices are often underrepresented in policy-making processes that directly impact their livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on.

For many farmers across Nigeria and other developing nations, climate change is not a distant concept, it is a daily battle. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, flooding, and soil erosion have become common features of the agricultural calendar. These challenges are already impacting food production, threatening both rural economies and national food security. In places like sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture supports a significant portion of the population, even a small shift in weather patterns can disrupt entire communities.

Despite these realities, many environmental strategies are developed without meaningful input from farmers. This oversight not only limits the effectiveness of such policies but also leads to poor adoption at the grassroots level. Farmers possess rich indigenous knowledge about soil behavior, local biodiversity, and land use patterns insights that could significantly enhance the design and success of climate adaptation efforts. Their participation is not optional; it is essential.

Environmental sustainability and food security are deeply interconnected. Any policy that undermines one will inevitably weaken the other. When farmers are actively involved in shaping environmental strategies, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to better compliance and long-term success. Additionally, they can help bridge the gap between modern science and traditional practices, creating hybrid approaches that are both effective and locally acceptable.

However, for farmers to take their rightful place at the center of environmental policy, several barriers must be addressed. Many smallholder farmers still lack access to timely information, modern tools, and forums where decisions are made. Others face challenges related to low literacy, limited financial resources, and geographical isolation. These issues not only marginalize their input but also hinder their ability to adapt to changing conditions.

To reverse this trend, policymakers must create inclusive platforms that allow for farmer participation at every stage of the environmental planning process. This includes consultations at the community level, transparent communication of policy objectives, and investment in agricultural extension services that empower farmers with the knowledge and tools they need. Special attention must also be paid to women and young farmers, who often bear the brunt of climate impacts yet remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Furthermore, farmer cooperatives and associations should be strengthened to serve as effective advocacy groups. When organized, farmers are better able to negotiate, collaborate, and hold stakeholders accountable. These groups can also serve as bridges between local communities and government agencies, helping to implement environmental reforms more smoothly.

Ultimately, farmers are not just victims of climate change, they are key actors in the fight for environmental justice. They manage vast stretches of land, support millions through food production, and hold valuable wisdom about the ecosystems they nurture. Excluding them from environmental decision-making is not only unfair; it is counterproductive.

As the world seeks sustainable solutions to a growing environmental crisis, the path forward must be inclusive. And that path begins by placing farmers not on the sidelines but firmly at the center of environmental policy.