By ibrahima yakubu
Kaduna, Nigeria – Nigeria, the world’s 10th largest mango producer, is experiencing a significant decline in mango yields due to the combined effects of climate change, extreme heat, and a reduction in pollinator populations. This crisis is particularly acute in Kaduna, the leading mango-producing state, according to recent research conducted by African Climate Reporters and led by Dr. Nasir Mohammed.
Impact of Climate Change and Pollinator Decline
Dr. Mohammed’s study reveals that extreme heat and environmental changes are drastically reducing populations of essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. These pollinators are crucial for mango production, and their decline has led to a noticeable scarcity of mangoes, severely impacting farmers in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The mango season in Nigeria typically runs from February to June, depending on the region and mango variety. Despite being rich in fiber, vitamins, and other micronutrients, mangoes are highly perishable and often wasted due to inadequate processing and preservation facilities, unlike in developed countries.
Traditional Harvesting Methods and Post-Harvest Losses
Traditional methods of harvesting in Nigeria, such as shaking trees and using sticks, result in bruised and damaged fruits. This leads to significant post-harvest losses, with approximately 700,000 tons of the annual 900,000-ton mango production being wasted. Damaged fruits have shorter shelf lives, contributing to high rates of spoilage and economic loss.
The Role of Pesticides
The use of pesticides, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, is another factor contributing to the decline of pollinators. These chemicals can kill beneficial insects, disrupt their reproductive and navigational abilities, and remove essential floral resources. This further exacerbates the decline in mango production, as pollinators are vital for crop fertilization.
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Reducing post-harvest losses is critical for food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. A recent meta-analysis underscores the need for improved loss assessment methodologies and effective interventions to mitigate these losses. Investing in mango value addition, such as processing ripe mangoes into juice, pulp, concentrate, and dried chips, can help prevent post-harvest losses and ensure year-round availability.
Improved technologies, such as solar tunnel dryers and greenhouse dryers, are being increasingly adopted to extend the shelf life of dried fruits and vegetables. By adopting these technologies, small-scale farmers can significantly reduce the 30% product loss, thereby boosting their income and Nigeria’s economy.
Certification and Export Challenges
Nigeria’s agricultural exports suffer due to non-certification, preventing access to lucrative international markets. Unlike neighboring countries such as Ghana and Cameroon, Nigeria has not met the European Union’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification standards. This lack of certification affects the volume and profitability of Nigerian farm produce exports.
Environmental and Economic Implications
Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi Nadabo, patron of African Climate Reporters, emphasizes the broader environmental and economic implications of pollinator decline. The reduction in pollinator populations not only affects food security but also the availability of traditional medicinal plants. Additionally, widespread deforestation, desertification, and other environmental factors contribute to the loss of pollinator habitats.
Call to Action
To address these challenges, proactive approaches to pest control and pollinator protection are necessary. This includes advocating for sustainable pesticide use, improving harvesting and post-harvesting practices, and investing in technologies that enhance the value chain. Government and non-government organizations should train farmers on these technologies to reduce losses and enhance the economic impact of mango production in Nigeria.
By addressing these issues, Nigeria can improve its mango production, reduce post-harvest losses, and gain better access to international markets, thereby boosting the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth.
