The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has warned farmers and key stakeholders to prepare for significant flood risks across Nigeria in 2026, citing projections that threaten millions of hectares of farmland and thousands of communities.
Executive Secretary of HEDA, Sulaimon Arigbabu, gave the advisory in an interview on Thursday in Lagos, drawing on the latest flood outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.
According to the forecast, about 4.2 million hectares of cropland are at risk during the flood season. It also indicates that 14,158 communities across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory fall within high-risk zones between July and September, while 11,575 communities in 31 states face potential flooding between October and November.
Arigbabu identified Kogi, Niger, Delta, Anambra, Benue, Kebbi, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa and Cross River as states most vulnerable to sustained flooding.
He explained that the outlook highlights three distinct flood windows: a low-to-medium risk phase from April to June, peak flooding between July and September, and a late-season “black flood” period from October to November, often associated with upstream dam releases.
He warned that without early adaptation, flood impacts could disrupt national food systems and rural livelihoods.
Rice farmers in floodplain areas were advised to harvest before October to avoid losses during peak flooding, while maize farmers in northern and central regions were urged to plant early to escape damage during the grain-filling stage.
Arigbabu added that cassava and yam farmers in southern states should guard against waterlogging, which can trigger root rot and reduce yields. Groundnut and cowpea farmers were advised to complete harvests before late September to prevent flood-related damage and contamination.
He also cautioned fadama farmers to conclude vegetable harvesting before October to avoid total crop loss in flood-prone zones.
Beyond crops, the advisory highlighted risks to livestock systems, including increased disease exposure during floods and water shortages in the dry season, particularly in northern regions.
Poultry farmers were urged to stockpile feed and strengthen biosecurity measures, while fish farmers were advised to reinforce ponds against overflow. Small ruminant farmers were encouraged to relocate shelters and store feed ahead of peak flooding.
Arigbabu called on government at all levels to activate agricultural extension services, support climate-resilient farming practices and intensify community sensitisation using early warning data.
He stressed that timely use of flood forecasts and proactive planning remain critical to reducing losses, safeguarding food production and protecting vulnerable livelihoods.
