The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has inaugurated a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-supported climate change adaptation initiative for smallholder farmers and pastoralists in 10 communities in Yobe State.
Mr. Harry Junior, the Coordinator of the NCF Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project, made this known on Friday, August 1, 2025, in Nguru.
He said the project intervention being implemented by NCF was funded by the UNDP through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).
Junior explained that the intervention, titled “Sustainable Farmers-Led Adaptation Strategy (SFLAS) to Climate Change”, is a one-year project aimed at improving resilience among 2,000 beneficiaries, including crop farmers, livestock herders, women and youth.
He said the intervention is being implemented by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), a foremost environmental NGO in Nigeria with extensive experience in community-led projects.
Hanson listed the benefiting communities as Maja-kura 1, Maja-kura 2, Dirani, Gari Mamman, Birnin Nguru, Zamarmari, Kallari, Aroro, Dagirawa and Gareni.
According to him, the initiative promotes sustainable agroforestry and climate-smart farming practices to support the semi-arid regions of Nguru against climate challenges.
“This project focuses on integrated technologies and practices to enhance the resilience of farmers and pastoralists, particularly in the fragile ecosystem of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands,” he said.
He explained that the objectives include establishing a knowledge-management system for climate adaptation, introducing improved and climate-resilient crop varieties, encouraging alternatives to fresh grass for livestock, and deploying digitised weather advisory applications.
Junior added that the intervention is expected to reduce environmental degradation by 80 per cent, while 50 per cent of the targeted farmers are projected to adopt climate-resilient farming systems.
Additional outcomes, according to him, include increased collaboration among farmers to foster peaceful coexistence, empowerment of 125 women to produce and market livestock feed alternatives, and establishment of seedling banks and nurseries to enhance local seed access.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary communities, Malam Lawan Bamai, the Village Head of Maja-kura, expressed sincere appreciate to the UNDP and NCF for bringing this support to their people.
Bamai, who is also the representative of the Nguru Emirate Council, said the intervention would go a long way in transforming their farming methods and improve livelihoods.
“We sincerely appreciate the UNDP and NCF for bringing this support to our people. This will go a long way in transforming our farming methods and improving livelihoods,” Bamai said.
Mr. Al-meen Mohammed, the Director, Department of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government, pledged the council’s support in providing technical assistance to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.
Other dignitaries present at the launch included representatives from the Yobe State Ministry of Environment (Nguru Zonal Office), Nguru Local Government Council, Nguru Emirate Council, village heads of the 10 beneficiary communities, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), NCF Supporters Committee (Yobe Chapter), and the media.
The UNDP is the UN’s global development network working across more than 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By Ahmed Ahmed