The American University of Nigeria proudly celebrates the academic achievements of Dr. Habib Sani Usman, a distinguished Professor of Law whose recent contributions are shaping the legal discourse on climate change and agriculture in Africa and beyond.
Dr. Usman has authored a groundbreaking book titled “Agricultural and Climate Change Adaptation Law in Africa – Reflections from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa”, published by Routledge UK, a globally renowned academic publisher. This timely work delves into the intricate relationship between agriculture, climate change, and legal regulation in Africa, focusing on three countries with diverse legal and environmental landscapes: Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The book offers a comprehensive comparative legal analysis of how these nations approach agricultural adaptation in the face of escalating climate risks. As agriculture is both a significant contributor to and a victim of climate change, Dr. Usman emphasizes the urgent need for robust legal frameworks that can enhance resilience among farmers and rural communities. “My decision to write this book was borne out of the desire to contribute in finding a lasting solution to hunger and food insecurity in rural areas of African countries, which is further aggravated by the impacts of climate change,” he noted.
Drawing from his personal background and professional expertise, Dr. Usman underscores the role of law in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the environmental impact of farming. The book identifies gaps in existing legal and policy frameworks and proposes practical reforms, including integrating climate and agricultural policies, enhancing on-farm adaptation strategies, and crafting comprehensive legislation tailored to African agricultural realities.
Complementing his book, Dr. Usman has also gained international recognition with the publication of a scholarly article in the Brazilian Journal of International Law, titled “The Relevance of Transnational Standards to Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security: Insights from Kenya and Nigeria” (Volume 21, Issue 3, pp. 161–180). This article expands the conversation by exploring the potential of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) to address food security challenges under climate stress.
In this research, Dr. Usman argues that while CSA offers a promising path toward sustainable agriculture, its success depends heavily on the presence of effective legal and policy instruments. He advocates for the integration of transnational standards to guide stakeholders—including governments, international bodies, the private sector, and local communities—in developing consistent, accountable, and knowledge-based approaches to CSA implementation.
Both the book and the article highlight Dr. Usman’s deep commitment to using legal scholarship as a tool for social transformation, particularly in addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and climate change in Africa.
The book is available in both print and digital formats via Routledge UK, or HERE