A climate change expert Dr. Deborah Ishaku has warned that the anticipated El Niño phenomenon could intensify heat stress, drought and food insecurity in many parts of Nigeria, especially Gombe State unless preventive measures are taken. She cited delayed rainfall, prolonged dry spells, reduced water availability and crop failure as risk factors that could spell doom if containment measures are ignored.
Dr Deborah Ishaku, who holds a PhD in Climate Change and Human Habitat and lectures at Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, explained that El Niño is characterised by abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which can influence weather patterns globally. The phenomenon typically occurs every two to seven years and can last between nine and 12 months.
Ishaku warned that El Niño conditions expected towards the end of 2026 and early 2027 could heighten climate-related risks, particularly for communities heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture with limited access to electricity and cooling facilities. She identified Gombe State as one of the areas where the effects could seriously impact farming, livestock production and water access.
According to her, delayed rainfall could disrupt planting calendars, while prolonged dry spells and higher temperatures could expose crops and livestock to heat stress. Crops including sorghum, millet, maize and groundnuts face increased risks if rainfall becomes irregular and temperatures rise significantly, she added, noting that reduced water availability could also affect dams and boreholes, increasing pressure on households and farming communities.
“Farmers need to prepare for the possibility of delayed rainfall and prolonged dry spells. These conditions can affect germination, crop development and yields, especially where farming depends entirely on rainfall,” Ishaku said. She therefore warned that high temperatures combined with dusty Harmattan conditions could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among children, older people, outdoor workers and those with limited access to cooling.
To this end, residents were asked to drink sufficient water, wear lightweight clothing and reduce outdoor activities during the hottest hours. “People should avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between noon and 4pm, when temperatures may be high. They should drink enough water, wear light and loose-fitting clothes and ensure their homes are adequately ventilated,” she advised.
Ishaku also encouraged households to store water for periods of scarcity and plant trees around their homes to provide shade. For farmers, she advised relying on official weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency before planting rather than planting solely on the basis of the first rainfall. She recommended drought-tolerant crop varieties including SOSAT millet, ICSV 400 sorghum and SAMNUT 24 groundnut as options for improving resilience to dry conditions.
The expert further encouraged farmers to adopt water conservation and harvesting techniques, including zai pits, to improve moisture retention in the soil and support crop growth during periods of limited rainfall. She said farmers should consider storing harvested grains early to reduce the risk of food shortages if adverse weather affects subsequent harvests.
Ishaku called on community leaders and relevant authorities to promote careful management of available water resources, particularly in areas vulnerable to drought. She recommended that schools schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours, while health facilities should strengthen preparedness to identify and manage heat-related illnesses and dehydration, with oral rehydration solutions available to support treatment.
She stressed that public awareness, early preparation and coordination among government agencies, communities and farmers would be essential to reducing the potential effects of extreme weather.
