This article discusses the challenges farmers face when dealing with floods, especially in places like West Africa. It talks about how floods can damage crops, animals, and things like roads and bridges. It also explains how farmers can adapt to floods by using special crops and working together with their community and government. The goal is to help farmers reduce the bad effects of floods and be better prepared for them.
From the smallest insect to the largest mammal, every creature relies on water. Without it, the planet would be dry, barren, and inhospitable. We know that droughts cause catastrophic issues – but what about too much water? With increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather events occurring globally, it is important for farmers and other agricultural workers to understand the effects of flooding. Even more important is learning how to adapt to these challenges and mitigating the problems caused by floods.
Flooding is not a new phenomenon, but it is a particularly relevant one now, at a time when many African countries are at increased risk of floods. Climate change plays a critical part in the frequency of extreme weather events, and although these effects are felt globally, West Africa is particularly vulnerable. The main staple crops, like maize, sorghum, and cassava, usually depend on rainfall. This presents problems when weather patterns become too variable. Frustratingly, climate change may be made worse by unsustainable farming methods; meanwhile, it can be hard to work sustainably when faced with the impacts of flooding.
The immediate problems caused by floods are relatively obvious; damage and loss of land, crops, and livestock is likely to cause critical issues, and the prospect of losing expensive machinery and equipment is just as difficult. Key infrastructure, like roads and bridges, can be disrupted, causing challenges in the transport of produce and supplies. In severe instances, flooding can lead to the displacement and migration of families, with entire farms being lost or abandoned. The less immediate challenges are no less difficult to deal with. Diseased crops and livestock, along with soil erosion and degradation, can lead to reduced yields, food shortages, and huge financial burdens.
There is always hope, though. Efforts are well underway to develop flood-resistant crops, along with other types of climate-resilient produce. These crops will be modified to better cope with increased rainfall and weather variability. The idea is showing success; two flood-resistant rice variants are already in use in Lagos. Scientists created a gene for submergence tolerance that they transferred into flood-susceptible rice varieties. According to the Africa Rice Center and the International Rice Research Institute, the modified rice can withstand being submerged in water for up to two weeks – that’s twice as long as existing varieties – and can generate up to two tonnes more per hectare. Plant science has a large role to play in finding solutions to the issues posed by extreme weather events.
Large-scale events, like extreme flooding, are easy for anyone to notice. More subtle changes might only be spotted by those who rely on the weather for their livelihood. For example, changing weather patterns can affect the length of growing seasons. Due to rising global temperatures, the spring, autumn, and winter seasons have begun to shorten, while summers are becoming longer and hotter. Variability in temperature, frost, rainfall, and daylight hours can all disrupt the conditions that plants need to thrive. Late springs can delay planting, shorter autumns can affect harvests, and the result is often seen in yield sizes and prices. Making adjustments to your planting schedules and using flood-resistant crop varieties can be of great help, and for those with the resources to do it, precision agriculture can really optimise returns.
As well as farming and food production, the infrastructure concerned with food supply can be hit hard by floods. Take, for example, roads and bridges. If these are damaged or destroyed by flooding, it can be nearly impossible to move livestock and produce, making it a challenge to store and distribute. Accessing supplies can be just as difficult, particularly for those whole rely on imported seeds or fertilisers. The effects of these problems ripple through the supply chain, leading to issues for those involved in farming, processing, distributing, and selling food. This then causes reduced revenue and increased vulnerability to food supply issues.
Despite the huge scale of these problems, there are many things you can do to minimise their impact on your land. Working together and sharing knowledge with your community is particularly important. Make sure you stay informed about the latest weather updates in your area, and pay attention to local authorities, who will often issue warnings ahead of extreme events. Collaborate with your neighbours to ensure that they are also prepared and aware of any upcoming problems. If floods are predicted, it may be wise to harvest early, and you should move livestock to higher ground if possible. Try to plant with flooding in mind; you can elevate your planting beds or plant seeds in raised mounds, for example, and use flood-resilient crops. Financially speaking, you may wish to explore crop insurance options, which can be invaluable if your farm is flooded. Government programmes can provide support, too, so it’s worth seeing what’s available in your area.
There is not one simple solution to the problems caused by flooding. Agriculture is a vital industry, and we cannot afford to let it fail. It is crucial for governments and businesses to invest in resilient infrastructure and flood defences. Early warning systems are also incredibly useful, as they give people time to prepare. Ultimately, climate change and the problems it brings are a global responsibility that requires coordinated efforts to build resilience at local, regional, national, and international levels. By working together, you can help to mitigate the impact of flooding on your community.
Megan Diehl is a dedicated writer who loves to explore the world of food and agriculture, sharing insights that connect people to the roots of their sustenance. When she isn't writing, Megan can usually be found cooking for her family, creating textile art and gardening.
