Transforming agriculture from a climate problem to a solution through carbon markets and climate justice
In the face of a warming planet, a powerful new ally is emerging from an unexpected place: Nigeria's agricultural lands. For decades, the narrative around climate change has focused on industrial emissions and fossil fuels. Yet, agriculture contributes about one-third of global greenhouse gases 2 . Now, a transformative approach known as carbon farming is turning the sector from a problem into a solution. This method is not just about growing crops; it's about "farming" carbon, directly drawing it out of the atmosphere and locking it into the soil and trees. For a country like Nigeria, where agriculture employs a majority of the population, this practice opens the door to a new green economy, linking smallholder farmers to global carbon markets while championing climate justice and a just energy transition 1 2 .
Agriculture's contribution to global greenhouse gases
Africa's current share of global carbon credits
Projected growth in carbon credit demand by 2030
At its core, carbon farming is a suite of agricultural practices designed to sequester carbon—that is, to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and store it in plants and soil. This process transforms farms into carbon sinks. For Nigerian farmers, this isn't about reinventing the wheel, but rather enhancing traditional methods with a climate-smart focus 2 .
The economic engine behind carbon farming is the carbon market. Here's how it operates:
A farmer adopts practices like agroforestry or no-till farming.
The carbon sequestered is measured and verified by an independent standard.
For every ton of COâ‚‚ avoided or removed, one carbon credit is issued.
Credits can be sold on the voluntary carbon market to companies or governments.
This creates a new revenue stream for farmers: they are paid not only for their crops but also for the environmental service of capturing carbon. Global demand for voluntary carbon credits is forecasted to grow 5 to 50 times by 2030, representing a significant, untapped economic opportunity for Africa, which currently accounts for only about 16% of the world's traded credits 2 .
A successful shift to a low-carbon economy must be equitable. The concepts of climate justice and a just energy transition are crucial here. They ensure that the benefits of climate action are distributed fairly, especially to communities that have contributed least to the problem but are most vulnerable to its effects 5 6 .
Provide fair compensation to smallholder farmers for their role in carbon sequestration 2 .
Avoid perpetuating inequalities seen in past energy projects that didn't adequately benefit local communities 3 .
Incorporate procedural justice, ensuring local communities have a voice in decision-making 5 .
Nigeria has taken steps by passing the Climate Change Act and launching an Energy Transition Plan, aiming to be a model for a just transition in Africa. However, turning these high-level commitments into practical action that reaches the rural farmer remains a major challenge 6 .
While many projects are in early stages, initiatives like the Tourba Carbon Initiative offer a real-world glimpse into how carbon farming is being implemented on the ground. This agritech startup launched programs in Niger and Nasarawa states, covering over 15,000 hectares by promoting intercropping with agroforestry 2 .
Tourba partners with state ministries to identify and train farmers, using local languages and practical demonstrations to make carbon farming accessible .
Comprehensive baseline data is collected, including GPS mapping and soil analysis, often done offline in communities with poor connectivity .
Farmers are trained and supported in adopting carbon-smart practices like planting trees among crops.
Third-party validators compare new measurements to baseline data to determine carbon gains and generate sellable credits .
The project is a pioneer in building the operational structure for carbon markets in Nigeria. Its significance lies not just in the carbon sequestered, but in its practical approach to overcoming barriers:
Implementing a carbon farming project requires a blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology. Below are some of the essential "research reagents" and tools needed to make it work.
| Tool/Practice | Function | Application in Nigerian Context |
|---|---|---|
| Agroforestry | Planting trees among crops stores carbon in biomass and wood, improves soil health, and provides shade and fruit. | A flagship strategy; fruit and nitrogen-fixing trees are integrated with staple crops. |
| Soil Sampling Kits | Used to collect soil cores for lab analysis to establish baseline organic carbon content and monitor changes over time. | Vital for MRV; challenges include cost and logistics of testing in remote areas. |
| Cover Crops (e.g., Cowpea) | Legumes planted in the off-season add biomass and nitrogen to the soil, boosting organic matter and carbon. | Improves soil fertility and moisture retention while sequestering carbon. |
| Digital MRV Platforms | Use satellite data and mobile apps to remotely measure and verify carbon sequestration, reducing verification costs. | Platforms like Zowasel's D-MRV are being piloted to make verification cheaper and more scalable. |
| Conservation Tillage | Reducing ploughing minimizes soil disturbance, preventing carbon loss from erosion and keeping it locked in the soil. | Farmers are encouraged to leave crop residues on the field to decompose into humus. |
The success of carbon farming hinges on its ability to sequester measurable amounts of carbon. Different practices offer varying levels of carbon capture, and the financial viability for farmers depends on the price per ton of carbon.
~1 ton of carbon per 0.6 hectares per year (as observed in a Kenya case study) 2 .
High potential with multiple co-benefitsVaries by soil type and climate; can significantly enhance soil carbon stocks over time.
Medium to high potential depending on conditionsSignificant enhancement of soil carbon stocks with continuous application 2 .
Medium potential with consistent applicationA higher price per ton of COâ‚‚ directly increases farmer revenue.
High verification and MRV costs can drastically reduce net income for farmers.
Aggregation and digital MRV can lower costs 2The percentage of the credit sale price that ultimately reaches the farmer.
Farm Africa project allocated 80% to farmers 2"In a Farm Africa project, 80% of the revenue went directly to the farmers, a model of fair compensation." 2
Despite its promise, the path to a thriving carbon market in Nigeria is not without obstacles. Smallholder farmers face significant barriers, including limited knowledge of carbon markets, insufficient technical capacity, and high costs for monitoring and verification 1 2 . Furthermore, regulatory uncertainty and a lack of clear, stable policies can discourage investment and long-term commitment from both farmers and project developers 1 5 .
To unlock this potential, a coordinated strategy is essential. Key recommendations include:
Carbon farming represents a powerful synergy between age-old farming wisdom and modern climate science. For Nigeria, it is more than a climate solution; it is a pathway to rural empowerment, economic diversification, and environmental resilience. By aligning economic incentives with ecological preservation, carbon farming offers a tangible way to include millions of Nigerians in the global fight against climate change, ensuring the transition is not only fast but also fair. As these practices take root across the country, they sow the seeds for a future where farming is not just about feeding the nation, but also about healing the planet.
Carbon farming transforms agriculture from a climate problem to a powerful solution, creating a sustainable future for Nigeria and the planet.