Following warnings by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that flood will ravage many states of the federation in 2025, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State Government to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies in response to the Federal Government’s alert that 31 states, including Abia, are at high risk of flooding in 2025.
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
FENRAD emphasises the need for a comprehensive baseline study of vulnerable communities to inform targeted interventions and enhance resilience against climate-induced disasters.
In alignment with these concerns, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated sensitisation programmes across all 17 local government areas of Abia State. These programmes aim to downscale flood early warning strategies to the grassroots level, ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond effectively to potential flooding events.
The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook predicts high flood risks for 31 states and moderate risks for 35 states, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
Governor Alex Otti has acknowledged the flood risks facing 11 out of Abia’s 17 LGAs and has pledged to address the issue through infrastructural development and community engagement. His administration aims to eliminate flooding in Aba within 18 months, focusing on constructing durable access roads and implementing a zero-pothole policy to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.
FENRAD’s call to action, according to its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities. By conducting baseline studies and implementing early mitigation strategies, Abia State can enhance its preparedness and resilience against the impending flood crisis, he added.
FENRAD emphasises the necessity for both federal and state governments to implement early mitigation and adaptation strategies.
“These strategies should include the establishment of community-based early warning systems, enhancement of public awareness campaigns, and the development of flood-resilient infrastructure. The organisation advocates for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development and the protection of human rights,” submitted Nwafor.
He pointed out that, in alignment with FENRAD’s recommendations, the Federal Government has activated several flood control measures. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed experts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to disseminate early warning messages across all states, Nwafor noted.
“Additionally, the government has inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) to coordinate disaster management strategies and enhance public awareness of climate resilience practices,” he stated, adding that FENRAD is committed to promoting environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of human and environmental rights in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, expressed total support for the vision and long-term plan of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, a consortium that concluded acquisition of onshore oil assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in March 2025.
L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Dr. Tony Attah, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe and Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Dr. Layi Fatona, after a delegation of the company visited NCDMB in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Wednesday
Addressing a high-powered delegation of the company in his office at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) in Swali, Yenagoa, Ogbe said indigenous oil and gas companies are ever assured of an enabling environment by the Board, and that its management team would be willing to engage with their counterparts from the Renaissance Group whenever the need arose.
He commended the company’s emphasis on Nigerian Content and plans to establish a foothold in other countries across Africa, assuring the delegation that NCDMB would provide their company with “double enabling environment” in support of its growth in Nigeria and abroad.
The NCDMB boss noted that Renaissance Africa Energy Company has a promising future, given the very competent hands in its employ who had held responsible positions in companies with track records of performance in the oil and gas sector.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Tony Attah, had thanked the Executive Secretary for the warm reception, assuring him and the NCDMB Management, “We are ourselves Nigerian Content – we’re wholly Nigerian.”
On the company’s long-term plan, he said, “We invest in Nigeria, but represent Nigerian Content across Africa…. Our mission is to be the African leader in energy but most importantly to enable energy security, to enable industrialisation.”
In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Renaissance Group, Dr. Layi Fatona, recalled that the NCDMB had been very supportive to the SPDC in the past, and that it was their expectation that the new company which has acquired the assets of the Anglo-Dutch giant would continue to enjoy the same relationship.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination of the NCDMB, Esueme Dan Kikile, in a brief comment noted that the vision of the NCDMB aligns with that of Renaissance, and that the two organisations would be able to collaborate productively to advance local content.
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited is a consortium comprising four leading indigenous oil companies, namely, ND Western Limited, Aradel Holdings, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P), and Waltersmith Group, and an international energy company known as Petroni.
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has been named Major Oil Company of the Year for 2024 by a Nigerian publication, Energy Times, in recognition of its contributions to deep-water oil and gas development and the industry generally. Energy Times also awarded the title of Amazon of Nigeria’s Oil Sector for 2024 to Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, a former Managing Director of SNEPCo now on international assignment in Brunei.
L-R: Chairman, Energy Times Board, Yakubu Lawal; Chief Executive Officer, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Rekhiat Momoh; SNEPCo’s Senior Operations Manager, Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo; SNEPCo’s Policy & Advocacy Senior Advisor, Elohor Abu and SNEPCo’s Bonga Main Life Extension Venture Lead, Asamu Wali, during the award ceremony at Oriental hotel in Lagos
The awards were presented to SNEPCo’s Senior Operations Manager, Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo, who represented the Managing Director, Ronald Adams, at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
“We are honored to receive the recognitions for the company and our former Managing Director as they underscore our dedication to excellence in the upstream sector,” Bolanle stated. “The modest achievements are result from teamwork and support by our partners, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and regulatory agencies. The awards encourage us to continue to work together to power progress and innovation in Nigeria’s energy landscape.”
SNEPCo has been a pioneer in Nigeria’s deep-water oil and gas production since it began production from Bonga in 2005, Nigeria’s first deep-water well. Gas from Bonga is also piped to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited at Bonny Island.
SNEPCo’s operations have led to significant discoveries, including Bonga Southwest in 2001 and Bonga Northwest, which began production on August 5, 2014.
In its award, the Board of Directors of Energy Times pointed to the continuing success of Bonga, notably production of the 1 billionth barrel of oil in February 2023 and the recent Final Investment Decision on the $5 billion Bonga North project.
The award on Mrs. Aiboni’s highlights a career that has seen her serve in various business and leadership roles within and outside Nigeria. She was appointed Managing Director of SNEPCo in 2021 and led initiatives that deepened operational efficiency, local content development and social investment projects across the six geopolitical zones in the country.
In 2024, floods in Nigeria devastated entire farmlands, wiping out crops, displacing up to 200,000 people, and disrupting food production and distribution. If decisive mitigation measures are not urgently implemented, the situation in 2025 will likely remain the same.
Rural farmers
In a practical effort to address these challenges, the Nigerian government has committed to developing and adopting climate-smart, low-carbon farming practices nationwide through the recently signed $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP) with Brazil.
However, while the government is engaged in discussions about effective sustainable agricultural solutions related to this project, smallholder farmers who contribute up to 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food supply already struggle to implement locally available climate-smart practices that could help protect their livelihoods and the country’s food security.
These farmers struggle to adopt climate-smart farming practices, ranging from crop rotation to water conservation and organic fertilisation, because of the lack of communication. Not just any communication, but clear, localised messaging that resonates with them.
If we truly want to increase food production in Nigeria while protecting the environment and helping farmers build resilience against climate impacts, we must utilise social marketing—a strategy that has influenced behavioural change across industries worldwide through clear, impactful communication.
Social marketing is unlike the typical promotion of products or practices to a set of people; it is a targeted approach that uses tailored messages that improve people’s knowledge to drive behavioural change for the good of their societies. It has successfully encouraged healthier eating, increased vaccination rates, and promoted environmental conservation globally.
When applied to promoting sustainable agriculture practices among farming communities, social marketing can also help change the attitudes of farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers to current climate impacts like floods.
International NGOs like the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) already use social marketing tools, including research publications and workshops that educate policymakers, to shape sustainable agriculture policies in Nigeria. However, the messages from these publications and workshops often fail to reach the farmers who need them the most.
For many smallholder farmers in the country, policy documents and research reports remain inaccessible due to language barriers, the complexity of topics, or a lack of direct engagement with them.
Besides, sustainable agriculture policies alone won’t change farmers’ behaviours. Farmers need to see the immediate and long-term value in adopting sustainable practices before integrating them with their traditional farming systems. This is where localised communication as a social marketing tool plays a crucial role.
If we want farmers to embrace climate-smart agriculture, we must rethink how we communicate these solutions.
Farmers trust what they see, hear, and experience within their communities. Instead of relying solely on policy briefs, the government and international NGOs should invest in culturally relevant storytelling, community radio programs, and farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing.
Imagine a farmer in Katsina hearing a fellow farmer on the radio explaining how he doubled his maize yield through soil conservation, or members of a farmers’ cooperative in Ondo learning about drought-resistant crops via a voice note broadcast on WhatsApp. These approaches resonate with farmers far more than complex, science-based policy documents.
One striking example of effective localised communication is the success of community-led farmer training in Malawi, where rural farmers were introduced to conservation agriculture through field demonstrations and local champions. Adoption rates increased because the messages were simplified, personalised, and delivered by trusted peers.
Similarly, Kenya’s integration of indigenous farming knowledge with modern sustainability practices has successfully aided a sustainable switchover from traditional farming methods, widely characterised by low crop yields and a continual loss of soil fertility. This was done with the help of on-the-field experts from local NGOs, providing training and technical assistance on sustainable agricultural land management practices that could help improve formerly degraded lands.
Nigeria can replicate these by strengthening local communication networks and ensuring messages are tailored to different regions, languages, and farming traditions. Existing farmer-oriented radio talk shows in the country need to be amplified through better government support and funding to reach every farmer.
The success of integrating modern sustainability practices with indigenous farming knowledge in Kenya has proven that communications from local NGOs play an essential role in bridging the gap between high-level policy documents and on-the-ground realities.
By equipping local NGOs with the right tools—radio airtime, social media training, and simplified extension materials – the Nigerian government can empower them to drive sustainable change at the grassroots level. These organisations can also serve as feedback channels, helping policymakers understand what works on the ground and what doesn’t.
The urgency of food insecurity created by erratic rainfall and floods in the country simply means we cannot afford to only rely on policy documents that never leave government offices. To effectively promote sustainable agriculture among farmers as a solution, the government and international NGOs must prioritise effective, localised communication.
This involves investing in farmer-friendly communication channels such as community radio, social media, and village meetings. It also involves training local NGOs and extension workers to translate policies into actionable, relatable messages, using storytelling and real-life testimonials to show the benefits of climate-smart farming, and encouraging farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing through cooperatives and agricultural groups.
Research must also be made more accessible by simplifying language and removing technical jargon – this can be achieved with the help of content and public relations specialists in the country.
If farmers do not understand the benefits of sustainable solutions, they will not adopt them. To feed Nigeria’s growing population and protect the environment at the same time, we must speak the language of those who feed us. Only then can sustainable agriculture move from policy discussions to real-life practice.
By Muhammad Eyinfunjowo, Communications Associate, Marchmont Communications
The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, held a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on the development of the Just Transition Guideline for Nigeria.
Participants at the NCCCS workshop in Lagos
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A Just Transition guideline is crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
It will ensure that the shift to renewable energy and a low-carbon future aligns with this vision by integrating policies that safeguard workers and communities, particularly those dependent on fossil fuel-based industries, anchored on sustainability, economic inclusion and resilience.
In her opening remarks, the Director-General, NCCC, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, said the workshop was a step in shaping an inclusive and equitable transition towards a sustainable, low carbon future for Nigeria.
Maduekwe said the workshop would provide an opportunity to deepen discussions and refine approach to low carbon future.
According to her, the engagement will ensure that the development of a Just Transition Guideline reflects the diverse voices and realities of all stakeholders – government, private sector, labour unions, civil society, development partners, and local communities.
She said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, was committed to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.
She said Just Transition must align with these priorities by ensuring involvement of all stakeholders to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions.
“Our policies, including the Energy Transition Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, Climate Change Act, and the National Development Plan, set a strong foundation for a people-centered and economy-driven transition.
“As we engage today, we must recognise that this transition is not just about technology and policy – it is about people, livelihoods, and the future of our workforce.
“It is about creating green jobs, investing in skills development, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring economic opportunities for all,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the unwavering support of the development partners for their invaluable support in shaping the initiative.
“I encourage everyone present to actively contribute, share insights, and collaborate in shaping a Just Transition framework that truly reflects Nigeria’s unique socio-economic and environmental realities.
“Together, we can design a pathway that balances climate ambition with economic sustainability, social justice, and national development,” she said.
Also speaking, Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a professor of climatology, said Just Transition was important to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“Just Transition requires a change in behaviour that leads to reduction in our carbon footprints,” Oladipo said.
He said the transition should be done in a way and manner that it would not create inequality in the society.
Oladipo stressed that transiting to Just Energy required capacity building and doing things differently.
He noted that for the sustainability of the future, there was the need to move away gradually from the use of fossil fuels in a manner that no one was left behind.
Mr. Steven Aguguo, Climate Action Coordinator for ILO, said moving away from carbon at this time was the right step in the right direction.
Aguguo said the ILO would be committed to inclusive transition without leaving anyone behind.
The Dangote Refinery has announced another reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N865 to N835 per litre.
Dangote Refinery
Anthony Echiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Lagos.
Echiejina said that the price slash came after the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which have dropped to $64 per barrel from over $70 per barrel in recent weeks.
The new price is now set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre, which had been in effect for the past six days, representing a 3.5 per cent reduction.
The company communicated the price adjustment to its customers through an official notice on Wednesday.
The refinery had earlier lowered its gantry price from N880 to N865 per litre; nonetheless, oil marketers did not transfer the savings to consumers.
The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Environment to equip and empower Environmental Health Officers to strictly enforce the provisions of the Environmental Sanitation Law.
Kwara State House of Assembly, Ilorin
This resolution was part of deliberations during plenary on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a Matter of General Public Importance raised on the Urgent Need for Awareness on Indiscriminate Dumping of Refuse into Drainages and Mitigation of Flooding in Kwara State.
The motion was moved by Bello Oniboki (APC/Afon) and seconded by Lawal Salihu (APC/Ipaye/Malete/Oloru).
According to the lawmakers, the resolution aims to curb the indiscriminate dumping of refuse across the state.
Leading the debate, Oniboki observed that the issue has reached a crisis level in several communities, with refuse regularly dumped into drainage channels.
He described the situation as not only unsightly but also a serious public health risk, emphasising that its environmental consequences cannot be overstated.
“This is particularly concerning during the rainy season when overflowing drainage systems can lead to severe flooding, damaging property and infrastructure, as we have witnessed in recent days,” he said.
Oniboki highlighted that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has consistently prioritised environmental sanitation, including the annual desilting and clearing of blocked drainage systems across the state.
He stressed the importance of maintaining functional drainage systems, noting that this is a shared responsibility between the government and the citizens.
Oniboki also acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in ensuring that all newly constructed roads in the state are equipped with adequate drainage infrastructure.
“However, it is concerning that despite these efforts, some members of the public continue to indiscriminately dump refuse into drainages, particularly during rainfall.
“This leads to blockages that are a major cause of flooding, stagnant water, road surface damage, increased potholes, and premature road failure across the state.
“Unfortunately, Kwara remains one of the states most vulnerable to flooding, as indicated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This calls for a change in public attitude to alter this trend,” Oniboki added.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly also urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Environment and the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and community-based organisations.
“This is to enhance public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal practices and the dangers of occupying flood-prone areas.
“We also call on citizens to desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels during rainfall, to prevent environmental degradation and its associated hazards,” the House resolved.
Meanwhile, the House has screened and confirmed Mr. Fatahi Alayande as the State Auditor-General.
Following the confirmation, the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, directed the Clerk, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulkareem, to formally communicate the decision to the governor.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are collaborating against improper chemicals and waste management in Nigeria.
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA
Speaking at a project inception workshop on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said there are environmental issues caused by improper waste management in the country.
The project, entitled “Strengthening National Infrastructural and Human Capacity for sound Chemicals and Waste Management in Nigeria”, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in chemical and waste management.
Barikor, represented by Dr Christopher Beka, Director, Inspection and Enforcement, NESREA, said Nigeria, as a rapidly industrialising nation, faced escalating risks from improper chemicals and waste management.
He said this was from hazardous industrial effluents to electronic waste and expired chemicals.
“The threats to our environment, public health, and socio-economic stability are undeniable,” he said.
Barikor said the project was not merely a response to these challenges but a proactive step towards building a resilient system that safeguards Nigerians, the ecosystems, and future generations.
“By aligning with global frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as well as the Global Framework for the Sound Management of Chemicals, and Minamata Convention, we reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices and sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, the project’s objectives were clear and ambitious, aimed at strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks for chemicals and waste management.
Barikor added that it was also to enhance the capacities of regulatory agencies, industry actors, and other stakeholders, as well as improve national infrastructure for monitoring, disposal, and recycling.
He said the project also sought to foster collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, while ensuring gender mainstreaming to address the needs of women and marginalised groups.
” Let us use today’s opportunity to critically assess existing policies and propose actionable reforms, design capacity-building programmes that empower regulators, industries, and communities. Also to develop infrastructure plans that are scalable, sustainable, and technologically robust,” he said.
Barikor urged participants to embed gender equality and social inclusion at the core of every activity.
Speaking virtually, UNEP Programme Officer, Nicole Caesar, said the special project sought to support institutional strengthening at the national level for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
She said the project also sought to develop and review the legislative framework and guidelines on chemical management, develop industrial national standards, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
I have recently travelled to Sierra Leone and Liberia as part of an Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) project to help improve the security of wildlife products in government custody and thereby support the conservation of elephants and other species. Funded by the UK government through its Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, our project aims to “Secure Wildlife Product Stockpiles in five West African countries”, including Burkina Faso, Guinea and Togo.
Stockpile currently held in MoECC offices with the Deputy Director of Forestry and CITES and EPI focal point, Mr Sahr Kellie (centre), and the local NGO partner CSSL team
Our project’s objectives are to help all five countries strengthen wildlife product storerooms and improve management procedures, to implement the EPIF Stockpile Management System (SMS) digital inventory tool, and to work with governments to consider the long-term fate of illegal wildlife trade products through policy review. The EPIF already has a decade of experience delivering similar projects in ten other EPI member states.
Sierra Leone and Liberia probably have only a few hundred surviving elephants between them. Still, they are both rich in biodiversity, and it is exciting to have the opportunity to support them in improving their wildlife conservation and law enforcement. My initial visits were in December 2024, with the aim being to conduct a baseline assessment in each country and project planning with our partners. Firstly, I travelled to Sierra Leone, where our government partner is the Forestry Department of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MoECC).
Arriving in Freetown via the international airport for the first time is a wonderful experience, involving a 10-minute bus ride to the ferry terminal in Tulun, followed by a 40-minute ferry across Tagrin Bay to the city itself. With the sun setting across the panoramic views of the nearby forests and waterways, I was immediately struck by the raw beauty and rich biodiversity of the country and felt inspired by my small role in helping to protect them.
I enjoyed three excellent days of meetings and discussion groups with stakeholders in Freetown. Our local NGO partner is the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), a long-term actor on the local conservation scene, which masterfully supported my visit in all sorts of ways. We visited institutions involved in the handling of wildlife products held by the government in Sierra Leone, including the Forestry Department, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), and the Gola Rainforest National Park conservation authority. We found an urgent need for our project to help improve secure storage and a receptive community of experts to support us in our aims.
I flew from Freetown to Monrovia in Liberia. Monrovia’s airport is nearly 40 miles outside the city, meaning that once again I was treated to views of stunning and awe-inspiring natural beauty on arrival. After a long drive down the highway, which hugs the coastline of the populated Monrovia urban sector, I was set and ready to go for another assessment and planning visit. Our government partner in Liberia is the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the main authority for all land-based conservation projects and initiatives. We had excellent engagement from various conservation stakeholders in Liberia, including various departments in the FDA, the Liberia National Police, Conservation International (CI), and Flora and Fauna International (FFI).
One of the most successful aspects of the trip was an agreement with the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) that they should be our local NGO partner in this project. SCNL has some highly experienced and dedicated conservationists and will be a huge asset in supporting our work to deliver our project. We also held an excellent meeting with the UK Ambassador to Monrovia, Neil Bradley, who gave his wholehearted support to our endeavours and provided some extremely useful context on wider UK and other international conservation support to Liberia.
The highlight of this visit was a day trip with FDA partners to visit their team in the Lake Piso Multiple Sustainable Use Reserve, a potential site for development as a field wildlife storage location. The visit provided useful insights into operating conditions on the ground, as well as a unique and privileged view of one of Liberia’s breathtaking reserves. We developed a work plan with our partners based on the needs identified during the assessment.
In March 2025, we carried out the first activities in each country, two-day workshops to develop management procedures for wildlife products storerooms in both Monrovia and Freetown. My visits went smoothly, except for one hiccup just after I arrived in Liberia. A short way into my journey to Monrovia from the airport, we unfortunately suffered a flat tyre. With darkness falling and the vehicle’s spare tyre being unyielding in our attempts to remove it from its bracket, it looked like being a long night. Fortunately, a passing traveller stopped to give us support and ended up giving me a lift to my hotel.
By chance, this happened to be the Liberian Minister for International Organisations, Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad. This led to a highly useful conversation about the international development sector in Liberia and a follow-up meeting to discuss our EPIF project. Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad was highly supportive of our aims and made it clear we have an ally for our project in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, with the support of our local NGO and government partners, we brought together a range of wildlife professionals to develop procedures which suit their specific needs. These events were highly successful. In both countries, we enjoyed lively and engaging discussions and were able to develop draft documents for each of them. We will disseminate these drafts to stakeholders for comment before holding a validation meeting later this year to finalise their procedures. This is a vital first step to give a formal foundation for the work to come.
We are creating the conditions for project implementation over the next 2 years, during which we hope to strengthen wildlife product storerooms, implement the SMS, hold technical meetings on each country’s legal policies, and conduct training and mentoring events for key wildlife staff. It is an exciting year to come as we develop Liberia and Sierra Leone’s capacity to secure wildlife product stockpiles and thereby help to reduce the impact of the illegal wildlife trade across West Africa!
It is an exciting year to come as we develop Liberia and Sierra Leone’s capacity to secure wildlife product stockpiles and thereby help to reduce the impact of the illegal wildlife trade across West Africa!
By Charles Henson, Programme Manager for Stockpiles, EPIF
By 2050, the global population will near 10 billion. Ensuring everyone has access to a healthy, sustainable diet is one of the greatest challenges of our time.
Dignitaries at the CGIAR Science Week. Photo credit: Saleef Nyambok/ILRI
Rising demand for animal and aquatic foods, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, systemic inequities, productivity gaps, threatens food security and livelihoods particularly in low and middle-income countries, (LMICs).
Small-scale producers, who supply over 70% of Africa’s and Asia’s livestock-derived foods, as well as contributing significantly to the total fish catch – 66% in Africa and 47% in Asia – are crucial to feeding the growing global population. Yet they face mounting challenges: soaring input costs, fragmented policies, and a lack of access to financing and technology. Meanwhile, livestock contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while unsustainable fishing practices endanger biodiversity.
Amid these challenges, the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Science Programme, part of a Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) 2025-2030 research portfolio, is leading a transformation to make animal and aquatic food systems more nutritious, climate-smart, and inclusive. At a high-level session during CGIAR Science Week, experts, policymakers, investors, and farmers gathered to discuss a way forward, one rooted in science and equity.
“Animal and aquatic food systems are facing unprecedented pressure,” said Dr. Rodrigue Yossa, Interim Director of the SAAF Programme. “We cannot afford business as usual., Demand for animal-source foods will rise by 30% by 2050, LMICs will drive this growth- along with associated emissions. SAAF bridges science with action, ensuring farmers adopt innovations that boost productivity while protecting the planet.”
SAAF directly addresses these challenges through six integrated areas of work that target the complexity of animal and aquatic food systems. These include improving productivity through genetics and animal health; advancing regenerative aquaculture and low-emission livestock systems; ensuring food production is safe and healthy for people, animals, and ecosystems using One Health approaches; and expanding opportunities for women and youth across value chains.
The programme also leverages cutting-edge digital innovations – such as AI and blockchain – to drive smart decisions, while enabling inclusive, data-driven markets that support smallholder producers.
With implementation planned in 17 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ghana, SAAF is on track to reach more than 1.7 million people through 18 targeted projects. The program seeks to unlock $84 million in funding, driving high-impact innovations such as methane-reducing tropical forages and carbon-sequestering seaweed farms.
“Policy gaps and high feed costs stifle small-scale fishers. SAAF’s focus on aquaponics, digital tools, and gender equity will revolutionize Kenya’s blue economy,” said Lucy Obungu, Director of Fisheries in Kenya.
These ambitions are backed by a strong commitment to partnership. National governments, universities, particularly from the Global South, NGOs, and private sector actors are key collaborators in SAAF’s design and execution. Rather than replacing local systems, SAAF boosts national capacity through technical support, extension training, and innovation hubs.
“SMEs are the backbone of food systems,” said Kristen Girvetz, co-founder of AgThrive. “With 75% of agri-SMEs underfunded, SAAF’s investment readiness programs can unlock capital for scalable solutions.”
SAAF’s farmer-first approach ensures on-the-ground impact. “Farmers need affordable, practical technology – not just theories,” said Oliver Mukunza, a dairy farmer from Kakamega. “Simple practices like cow comfort have helped me cut costs and improved my income.”
SAAF directly supports CGIAR’s 2030 agenda – ensuring that food systems are climate-resilient, inclusive, nutrition-driven and powered by innovation. The programme’s ultimate vision is to sustainably transform animal and aquatic food systems into sources of nutrient-dense, low-emission foods that improve lives, health, and the environment across low- and middle-income countries.
“SAAF is more than a programme; it’s a platform for systemic change. By uniting research, policy, and private sector action, we can ensure nutritious, sustainable foods for all,” said Ishmahane Elouafi, CGIAR Executive Managing Director.
