Climate change compliant microfinance delivery in Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change refers to any long-term significant change in the average weather that a given region experiences. It upsets seasonal cycles, destroys ecosystems and water supply, causes sea levels to rise and affects agriculture and food production. The changes are already visible in Nigeria. Combating climate change can come by way of mitigation and adaptation measures. Researchers are intensifying effort at developing new strains of crops that would withstand impacts of extreme weather condition. Other adaptation measures include shifts in planting time. The adaptation measures proffered involve cost on the part of the farmers. The resources required for the acquisition and adaptation of the measures are beyond the reach of the farmers. Policy thrust, objectives and strategies of three policy documents were investigated to determine their provisions for farmers’ financing of the coping strategies for climate change. The policy documents are the microfinance policy regulatory and supervisory framework, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) and the Nigeria’s First National Communication. It was found that Nigeria climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are not equally matched with climate change compliant microfinance delivery mechanism. It is recommended that climate change tax be introduced as a resource envelop in aid of cost of coping with extreme weather events. Key words: Climate change, adaptation, mitigation, micro finance delivery, climate change tax.