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Incentivising smallholder farmers to boost food security

Michael Simire
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Incentivising smallholder farmers to boost food security

Available data indicates that Nigeria has an arable land area of 34 million hectares; 6.5 million hectares for permanent crops and 28.6 million hectares on meadows and pastures.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari

With such large areas of arable land and weather conditions suitable for various nutrient-rich crop varieties, Nigeria is expected to be one of the best food secured countries in the world.

Nigeria’s opportunity in this regard is further boosted by its youthful population.

However, attaining food security has been a herculean task.

According to statistics by 2024 Cadre Harmonise report, 31.8 million Nigerians are suffering from acute food insecurity compounded with malnutrition among women and children.

In the light of the foregoing, stakeholders opine that incentivising smallholder farmers to scale production is the surest way to the nation’s attachment of food security.

The stakeholders recently converged on Abuja for the 2024 National Agriculture Show (NAS) from Nov. 20 to 24, 2024, with the theme, “Incentivising Smallholder Farmers to Scale for Attainment of Food Security.’’

They listed the smallholder farmers as women, persons with disabilities and youths.

The agric show is organised annually by the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) in collaboration with All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other stakeholders.

The show avails farmers across the states of the federation opportunities to showcase their agricultural potentials, resources and products.

In her submission, Mrs Nkiruka Okonkwo, Chairperson, National Agricultural Show Youth and Women in Agriculture Committee, said that it was imperative for the country to target investments towards boosting women farmers participation and productivity to capitalise on the potential economic gains.

Okonkwo, also the Chief Executive Officer of Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative (FBIN) and the Keynote Speaker, said it was pertinent for the government and stakeholders to invest in gender-disagregated data collection especially budget and expenditure data.

She said the gesture would facilitate analytics and evidence-based policy making and enhance women and youth empowerment in the sector.

Okonkwo said that empowering women, youth and PWDs smallholder farmers was critical to the nation’s food security.

She said that such could be done by providing targeted incentives, strategic interventions, multi-stakeholders collaboration, policy support and innovation solutions as well as an enabling environment.

Okonkwo said through such initiatives or efforts, the country could unlock its potential, enhance its productivity and  boost national food security.

She said that women played a vital role in the country’s agricultural sector; contributing 70 per cent of the agricultural workforce and 60 per cent of smallholder farmers; however, they faced numerous challenges.

“These challenges include limited access to land, finance, gender-friendly and affordable technology and markets, social and cultural barriers, climate change, among others.

“Nigeria can advance further in agriculture if women, youth, PWDs are freed from socioeconomic constraints.’’

She recommended separate budget lines in the annual budgets for women, youth and PWDs.

Okonkwo urged all stakeholders to collectively commit to empowering women, PWDs and youth small holder farmers.

“Women, PWDs and young smallholder farmers are critical in achieving food security in Nigeria.

“So, it is necessary to enhance their access or capabilities, participation and quality of influence through financial incentives, technical assistance, market access, technology adoption and social protection.

“Enabling women and youth to thrive in the sector requires two main categories of incentives targeted and strategic–women-focused incentives which include land ownership, tenure security, access to finance and social protection and safety nets.

“Youth-focused incentives include agricultural entrepreneurship training, access to innovative finance, youth-friendly technology and digitalisation.

“Others are apprenticeship, volunteerism, mentoring and agribusiness incubation, market and linkages, policy support and advocacy,” she said.

On his part, Mr Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), said the country could only achieve food security by 2025 if challenges faced by smallholder farmers were addressed.

He identified insecurity as number one threat to the attainment of food security followed by climate change.

Ibrahim, also the President All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said that everyone must work very hard to mitigate the situation.

He urged the government and all and sundry to make the country food secure in 2025 by properly and decisively supporting smallholder farmers through creation of enabling environment to enable them upscale productivity.

“It is exceedingly difficult to attain food security today without first identifying regional staple foods and scaling their production, processing, distribution as well as adequately storing surplus properly and consuming them moderately and appropriately.

“We must also minimise post-harvest losses by evolving adequate cold and dry storage as well as constant recycling and appropriate disposal of food waste.

“Efforts of smallholder farmers to scale their productive capacities must be sustainably supported by governments at all levels so that they become small scale producers who will be able to support sustainable industrial growth,’’ he said.

More so, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State called on the Federal Government to prioritise the agric show by investing massively on it in order to achieve its set target.

Sule, who was represented by Abubakar Madak, Chairman, Karu Local Government, called on the Federal Government to further build the necessary infrastructure at the show ground to make exhibitions more attractive to all the stakeholders and farmers annually.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said government had put modalities in place to address critical issues affecting farmers and ameliorate the sector challenges.

Mr Jafar Umar, Director General, NABG, an NGO, said the organisation was saddled with the responsibilities of reducing poverty among others.

Umar said the organisation was collaborating with the government to grow the country’s agricultural economy, create jobs and lift millions out of poverty.

According to him, NABG investments cut across the entire value chain, from inputs to output markets, export markets, equipment and consumer food manufacturing.

Dr Ifeoma Anyawu, Head of Gender, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), said the country must invest in women and youth in order to cultivate the next generation of family farmers.

Anyawu explained that women constituted 43 per cent of the agricultural labour in the developing world while in some other countries they constituted 80 per cent.

According to her, the women have limited access to credit and lack control of family funds.

“The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) found that only 10 per cent of credit in Sub-Sahara Africa is available to women.

“Women also face scanty educational opportunities and gender discrimination; no proper training and they are unable to make improvements to their farming methods and continue to suffer from low food yields.’’

Anyawu, who identified the number of young people of working age as increasing, said that the same group typically rejected careers in agriculture and food system.

“But we can change that and cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders-not just farmers, but food entrepreneurs, scientists, agronomists, extension agents, Union a government leaders.

“Government needs to invest in policies and practices that provide access to land, credit and banking services, education and knowledge and technical skills for youth and women in agriculture,’’ she said.

In all, it is stakeholders’ view that many rural areas are not stimulating places for youth to live and develop; hence, the need to make rural areas more attractive so that youths can venture into agriculture and bolster the nation’s ability to feed itself and the whole world.

They hold that there should be policy in place that will provide access to land, credit facility, education, good transport system, agricultural equipment and other social amenities for youth and women in agriculture.

By Felicia Imohimi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

GEF Small Grants Programme provides $135m for community-led initiatives in GEF-8

Michael Simire
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GEF Small Grants Programme provides $135m for community-led initiatives in GEF-8

The GEF Small Grants Programme is a flagship initiative that over the past three decades has enabled civil society organisations to access funding and technical assistance for community action related to the environment and sustainable livelihoods. It specifically supports Indigenous Peoples and local communities, women-led initiatives, youth engagement and leadership, and persons with disabilities.

Ibironke Olubamise
Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise, Nigeria National Coordinator, UNDP GEF-SGP

Following decades of leadership by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as anchor agency, it has been expanded following a GEF Council decision two years ago to two additional implementing entities, Conservation International and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, alongside UNDP supporting locally led initiatives in developing countries.

It is believed that this wider remit is helping communities access additional funding, with more options for collaboration and the pooling of expertise, including through the technical knowhow offered by the various agencies. 

Communities in 137 countries are accessing GEF SGP funding in the Global Environment Facility’s eighth funding cycle, up from 124 countries in the seventh replenishment period. 

The first tranche of GEF SGP funds approved during this cycle is being implemented by UNDP, and the second tranche approved by GEF Council in December 2024 will be implemented by all three agencies. 

Altogether, GEF SGP is providing $135 million for community-led environmental initiatives in GEF-8. This supports work in five strategic areas: (1) community-based management of threatened ecosystems and species; (2) sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and food security; (3) low-carbon energy access and co-benefits; (4) local to global coalitions for chemicals and waste management; (and 5) sustainable urban solutions.

The GEF Small Grants Programme has also sponsored a new challenge programme supporting innovative action by civil society organisations, led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with another CSO initiative in the works for 2025 with a focus on microfinance.

Climate-smart farming boosts forests, food security in Madagascar

Michael Simire
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Climate-smart farming boosts forests, food security in Madagascar

In Madagascar – one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries – a devastating drought, punctuated by intense cyclones, has pushed more than a million people into hunger.

Andry Rajoelina
President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar

As extreme weather exacerbates poverty and malnutrition, farmers are caught in a dangerous catch-22: climate change threatens their crops and livelihoods, prompting them to expand their farms by cutting down trees. This, in turn, intensifies the effect of droughts, flooding, and soil erosion.

According to a new report authored by the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU), sustainable agriculture practices can help farmers break this cycle.

The report assessed the results of a $19.3 million programme launched in Madagascar, implemented by Conservation International, with $18.5 million in financing from GCF to help farmers implement new climate-smart practices – like using drought-resistant crops, mulching to prevent soil erosion during heavy rains and planting native fruit trees that provide both shade and new sources of income.

The report found that farmers who adopted sustainable agriculture practices were not only less likely to deforest surrounding land, but they also had greater food security—an important indicator in a country where about a third of the population does not have enough food.

“The farmers that are changing their practices are seeing results,” said Camila Donatti, a Conservation International expert on climate change who authored the report.

Ravolasoa Aimée Clarence, from Ambohimana, Vondrozo district, received training in climate-resilient farming techniques and high-quality ground nut seeds to harvest in 2019. These locally adapted seeds became the starting point for a sustainable agricultural practice on her farm. The transition to these quality seeds marked the first step towards a spectacular increase in rice yields.

In just four years, her life transformed. After harvesting the groundnuts in accordance with the knowledge gained, she and her husband used the profits to buy rice seeds. When the rice was harvested, they purchased additional cropland to grow crops before eventually acquiring four cows.

Dalia, a farmer in the Bejofo municipality, Antokazo, received high-quality seeds for harvest and essential farming tools, including watering equipment, ropes for cultivation, weeding tools, and insect repellents. These resources were carefully selected to help local farmers like Dalia tackle the challenges of changing weather patterns. From the 10.5 kilogrammes of bean seeds Dalia received, she harvested 400 cans, equivalent to 114.3 kilogrammes, exceeding expectations while demonstrating the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices.

Researchers surveyed more than 1,600 participating farmers to learn more about the quantity and type of food they eat and their ability to pay for essential needs, like housing, clothing and medications. Over five years, the farmers’ food security shifted measurably.

The findings are promising for Madagascar and beyond. The ongoing project can potentially improve the lives of nearly 24,000 people and conserve the two largest remaining forests in eastern Madagascar – the Ankeniheny-Zahamena and Ambositra-Vondrozo forests. These globally important forest corridors hold vast amounts of planet-warming carbon and wildlife – roughly 85 per cent of which is found nowhere else on Earth – but have steadily been degraded by slash-and-burn agriculture, the area’s leading cause of deforestation.

By Mary Kate McCoy, Conservation International

2024: A year of hope and hardship for the world’s forests

Michael Simire
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2024: A year of hope and hardship for the world’s forests

In 2024, forests saw progress in conservation but faced persistent threats from climate change and deforestation, writes Robert Nasi, Director General of the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Robert Nasi
Robert Nasi, Director General, Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

The picture painted by the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment, albeit relying mostly on 2023 figures, is not a pretty one. As 2024 is coming to an end, here is a reflection of the year for forests.

2024 has been marked by both positive strides and persistent challenges for the world’s forests. While innovative technologies and strengthened international cooperation offered hope, the relentless pressures of climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable use continued to threaten these vital ecosystems.

In the international and national agenda, the role of forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change is reaffirmed. More interestingly, the recognition of their role in adaptation and water cycles is finally gaining some traction.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks and stores, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By preserving and restoring forests, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help stabilize the global climate. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)’s State of the World’s Forests 2024 report, forests absorb around 11 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Forests are also irreplaceable reservoirs of biodiversity, housing up to 80% of all terrestrial species and supporting the livelihoods of millions. At the UNCBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, this role was highlighted at the launch of The Forest Factor, a report by the UNCBD and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests that highlights how forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management is key in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

Lastly, forests are indispensable for climate change adaptation and the stability of hydrological systems. They regulate regional and global climates through evapotranspiration, which moderates temperatures and reduces climate variability. This cooling effect can lower temperatures in tropical regions by up to 2°C by 2100. They act as natural buffers, protecting against floods, reducing soil erosion and stabilising water flows. Forested areas near rivers and streams provide shade, maintaining cooler water temperatures essential for aquatic life.

We have also witnessed some progress in preserving forests, recognizing the critical importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and interesting technological advances.

Several countries have made significant strides in their forest conservation efforts. Brazil, for instance, witnessed a notable decline in deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest, with deforestation rates dropping by 30.6%  in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data released by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Indonesia, another major player in global deforestation, also implemented stricter regulations and invested in sustainable forest management practices, leading to a 25% reduction in deforestation rates.

Technology has also been a powerful tool in advancing forest conservation. Remote sensing and satellite imagery have enabled scientists and policymakers to monitor forest health and detect illegal logging activities with unprecedented accuracy. For example, the use of satellite imagery has helped identify and track illegal logging operations in the Amazon rainforest, leading to significant seizure of illegally logged timber.

Indigenous communities, often the traditional guardians of forests, have a deep understanding of and connection to these ecosystems. For example, many Indigenous practices, such as controlled burns and agroforestry, maintain biodiversity and improve forest resilience. Their knowledge and practices have proven invaluable in sustainable forest management. Indigenous Peoples manage approximately 22% of the world’s land area, including vast tracts of forest. Indigenous-managed forests in the Amazon appear particularly effective, with deforestation rates reduced by as much as 83% compared to other areas, showcasing their vital contribution to carbon storage and climate regulation.

Despite these positive developments, which include reduced deforestation rates in some regions and advances in sustainable forest management, the challenges facing the world’s forests remain substantial. Climate change continues to exert significant pressure on forest ecosystems, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and intense wildfires posing severe threats. In 2023, wildfires burned an estimated 6.687 million hectares of forest globally, releasing 6.687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Preliminary data for 2024 indicates that the situation has not improved. In August 2024, there was a significant surge in global wildfire activity, with most of the increase occurring within a week. Wildfires swept the Amazon as Brazil suffered the worst drought on record, 10,400 fires were reported in Peru. The first half of the 2024 boreal summer has seen a large number of intense wildfires in eastern Russia, Canada, and Alaska, resulting in the transport of vast quantities of smoke across parts of Eurasia and North America. 

Deforestation, driven by factors such as agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure development, persists in many regions, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. In 2023, the world lost an estimated 5.4-6.4 million hectares of forest, primarily due to deforestation and forest degradation. The 2024 numbers are not available yet, but while deforestation in the Amazon has decreased, the rest of the tropical world is witnessing an uptick in deforestation. Illegal logging and, more generally, unsustainable use of forest resources remain major problems, undermining efforts to protect forests and fuelling corruption and organised crime. It is estimated that illegal logging accounts for 15-30% of global timber production. In November 2023, Interpol stated: “Illegal wildlife trade has become one of the world’s largest criminal activities. It is just becoming easier in 2024 with the help of social media.”

To address the complex challenges facing the world’s forests, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is necessary. International cooperation is essential to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and provide financial support to countries with significant forest resources. Strong governance and effective law enforcement are crucial to combat illegal logging and ensure sustainable forest management. Investing in sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods can reduce pressure on forests and promote economic development. Additionally, empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities to play a role in forest conservation is essential, as they often have deep knowledge and strong ties to the land.

The future of our planet depends on the health of our forests. By prioritising forest conservation, we can mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of future generations.

Courtesy: Forest News

Originally published by Forest News here: A year of hope and hardship for the world’s forests – CIFOR-ICRAF Forests News

FAO secures $68m in environmental funding for 22 countries

Michael Simire
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FAO secures $68m in environmental funding for 22 countries

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has secured $68 million in funding to address environmental challenges across 22 countries, officials have announced.

Qu Dongyu
Director-General of FAO, Qu Dongyu

The financing, approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), targets biodiversity loss, groundwater management, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.

The projects are expected to generate an additional $273 million in co-financing.

“The approval of this batch of projects comes at the end of a year of environmental summits that highlighted the need for finance to unlock transformation of global agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu.

The package includes $19 million for FAO’s Small Grants Programme, supporting local initiatives across 14 countries from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Venezuela.

The programme aims to restore 20,000 hectares of land and benefit 45,000 people.

Five biodiversity projects will receive funding through the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, targeting protected areas management and ecosystem restoration.

The initiatives span multiple countries, including Laos, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

In East Africa, a $7.8 million project will focus on water security in the Mount Kilimanjaro region, aiming to conserve 40,000 hectares of cloud forest and benefit 100,000 people across Kenya and Tanzania.

“These projects will help change the way we produce our food, fuel, and fibre to address global environmental crises,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, GEF CEO and Chairperson.

The funding marks a record year for the FAO-GEF partnership, which has supported 141 countries with $1.9 billion in environmental projects since 2006.

Additional initiatives include a $9.6 million project in Gambia to reduce agrochemical use and a $4 million sustainable tourism programme in Vanuatu.

The projects align with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and are designed to deliver global environmental benefits while responding to local priorities.

1win, Recycledge launch plastic waste exchange scheme in Ibadan

Michael Simire
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1win, Recycledge launch plastic waste exchange scheme in Ibadan

Leading global iGaming brand, 1win, and non-profit environmental organisation, Recycledge, will launch a collaborative Plastic Waste Exchange (PWE) project – a community-driven initiative to combat plastic waste and promote responsible plastic management in Nigeria.

Philippines
Plastic waste pollution

The launch event takes place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Members of the public are encouraged to bring their plastic bottles in exchange for vouchers, food items, gifts, or cash rewards. The more kilogrammes of plastic attendees bring, the more tangible rewards from 1win they will receive, disclosed the organisers.

“The event promises to be engaging and fun, with activities including games and entertainment for participants of all ages, exclusive 1win merchandise giveaways, and appearances by renowned Nigerian personalities,” the promoters added.

They stated that social media influencers, Moyin and Doyin Oladimeji (known as @Twinz_Love), and famous Nigerian actor and producer, Femi Adebayo, will appear on the day to lend their voices to the campaign and inspire community participation.

The PWE project addresses the issue of plastic waste in Ibadan and surrounding areas. Citizens are encouraged to recycle PET bottles by bringing them to 1win-branded PWE stations. With an ambitious goal to collect 5,000 kilogrammes of plastic waste, 1win and Recycledge aim to send it to recycle sites and prevent plastics from polluting landfills, waterways, and natural habitats in Nigeria.

Following the launch event, 1win-facilitated plastic receptacle stations can be found across Ibadan in the following locations: Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, Hybrid Heights, Agodi Parks and Gardens, and IDC School (New Gbagi).

NECA flays Lagos Water Regulatory Commission’s businesses’ operational disruption

Michael Simire
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NECA flays Lagos Water Regulatory Commission’s businesses’ operational disruption

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) is calling on the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) to support struggling businesses and halt the spread of misinformation and negative media campaigns.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde
Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde

NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, who made the call in a statement on Thursday, December 26, 2024, said that such misinformation was tantamount to economic sabotage.

The call followed the purported closure of the factories of some major manufacturing companies in Lagos by LASWARCO on allegations of non-payment of water abstraction levies.

“The purported news of the sealing of the premises of some businesses on the allegation of non-compliance with water abstraction regulations is not only misleading but also likely to send the wrong message on the already harsh business environment in the country.

“The reported comments and activities of the commission have the damaging potential of scaring away investors, aggravating employees’ apprehension about the security of their jobs, and portraying Lagos State as unwelcoming for legitimate businesses.

“All these at a time when many multinationals are either exiting the country or carrying out a global restructuring with Nigeria and Lagos especially being one of the hardest hit nations/states in divestments and job losses, is worrisome,” he said.

Oyerinde said that businesses had faced probably the harshest economic situation in recent times, with many declaring humongous losses.

He said it was expected, therefore, that the commission would be innovative enough to come up with legitimate ways to generate revenue without adding to the woes of businesses.

Oyerinde described as unreasonable the demand for unjustifiable multimillion sums as water abstraction levies from businesses that had already paid many other forms of taxes for the same activities they use the water for.

“May we reiterate that it is the responsibility of the government to provide water for its citizens and businesses.”

He, however, noted that this noble responsibility was currently not being fulfilled by the government.

According to him, it will be highly insensitive, harsh and punitive for the same government that has failed to adequately provide water to also impose punitive levies on businesses that are constrained to make investments in providing water to run their businesses.

The director-general emphasised that organised businesses were not against responsible regulation.

Oyerinde, however, noted that the association would embark on all legal and legitimate means to resist any form of high-handedness that did not demonstrate empathy with the plight of struggling Nigerian businesses.

“In the quest for revenue generation, the commission and indeed all other regulatory agencies should adopt a more legitimate and civil approach, rather than the predominant disruptive pattern of recent times.

“Those patterns are directly against the efforts of the Federal Government to attract investment, promote job creation and facilitate responsible regulation,” Oyerinde said.

Oyerinde, therefore, appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter to save businesses in Lagos from further woes.

LASWARCO on Dec. 24 sealed three companies for extracting large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes without proper authorisation and compliance with regulations.

The three companies are Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola producers), FrieslandCampina (Peak Milk makers) and Guinness Nigeria Plc.

By Esenvosa Izah

Regional challenges cost Egypt about $7bn of Suez Canal revenues in 2024 – Sisi

Michael Simire
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Regional challenges cost Egypt about $7bn of Suez Canal revenues in 2024 – Sisi

Events in the Red Sea and regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal in 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Suez Canal
Suez Canal

Egypt lost more than 60 per cent of the canal’s revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, Sisi added in his statement, without going into details on the events.

Houthi fighters in Yemen have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel’s more than year-old war in Gaza.

The attacks have forced shipping firms to divert vessels from the Suez Canal to longer routes around Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher.

Group boosts CSOs, MDAs capacities on conflict sensitivity, climate adaptation approaches

Michael Simire
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Group boosts CSOs, MDAs capacities on conflict sensitivity, climate adaptation approaches

International Alert, a peace building organisation, has built the capacity of civil society organsiations and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation approaches.

Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima
Country Director, International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima

The Country Director of International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, made this known at a workshop on the Nigerian Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF) in Abuja.

Themed “Capacity Building and Strategy Planning Workshop on Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Approaches”, the workshop was organised with support from Irish Aid.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said that the workshop, which was a follow-up to the launch of the NC-SAF in November 2024, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the intersections of climate change and conflict in Nigeria.

“This is the consultative learning event of NC-SAF because organisations indicated capacity building as something that we should address imminently.

“More importantly, we want this event to enable different organisations understand different perspectives around climate change, climate adaptation, mitigation, and conflict sensitivity.

“Most of the conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based and so conflict and climate change are existential issues that we must deal with all together.

“So in this workshop, key outcome for us is enhanced learning, co-creation of ideas and at the end of the day, this fits nicely into the strategy session,” he said.

According to him, the strategy session prepared stakeholders with enough knowledge and skills to make the most contributions of the priorities into the NC-SAF.

He said that, although there was existing work being done on climate change and peace building in Nigeria, organisations were still working in silos, thus the need for harmonisation.

“Coming together gives us a multiplier effect in terms of advocacy and in terms of creating the needed policy change,”he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary, Arewa Consultative Forum, and a Professor of Sociology with interest in Environment, Societies, and Conflict, commended International Alert for the initiative.

Baba said that the convergence was very important because it raised consciousness amongst stakeholders about the impact and the intersection of climate, conflict, and other issues affecting the society.

“We know there is a great nexus between ability of people to utilise the environment and conflict.

“In a lot of places in Nigeria, in the Northwest, in the Northeast and the Central, these are daily issues that affect the lives of the people.

“I think one of the first steps towards the solution is to understand exactly what is going on,” he said.

He said that it was important to understand the dynamics between climate change and induction of conflict and how they impact on human social organisation.

“This is because if we are not careful, climate change is something that will lead to conflict and this conflict will consume everyone, especially with the rising population in Nigeria,” he said.

Baba.said that the dwindling natural resources was frightening, adding that life was declining in the rural areas and getting harder in the urban areas with accommodation, water and electricity challenges.

He said that there was the need to create awareness among Nigerians to adapt to lifestyles to mitigate climate change.

Mr Nathaniel Awuapila, President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), said  that the workshop was an opportunity to ensure that climate change policy was not just on paper, but implemented across the country.

“Nigerians need to acknowledge that climate change is real. There are stakeholders, very influential people that have continued to deny the impact of climate change.

“Let them see what happens annually when it rains and let them see the drought they experience sometimes.

“These are all impacts of climate change. It is real and we need to begin to take appropriate action immediately,” he said.

By Angela Atabo

IOM gives humanitarian assistance to 1.4m in Nigeria in 2024

Michael Simire
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IOM gives humanitarian assistance to 1.4m in Nigeria in 2024

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says that it reached not less than 1.4 million people in Nigeria with its assistance in 2024.

Amy Pope
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM

The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Paola Pace, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in Abuja.

She said that the organisation achieved such through broad range of actions spanning the nexus that included 1,197,432 beneficiaries of humanitarian support.

This, according to Pace, included Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), WASH services, and Shelter and Non-Food Items (S/NFI) assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities.

She said that 30,562 individuals were supported through development initiatives, such as livelihood and resilience-building programmes in the year.

The IOM boss added that 10,332 people benefiting from peace building efforts targeting conflict-affected communities.

“Our outreach has been significant in both rural and urban areas, providing critical services to internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities,” she said.

Pace reiterated its commitment to scaling up humanitarian assistance and fostering durable solutions for the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria in 2025.

According to her, Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from IOM in expanding humanitarian reach and scaling up support for vulnerable populations.

The IOM boss said further that the organisation would also be driving initiatives that empowered individuals and communities.

“In 2025, IOM plans to scale these numbers up, especially as the country transitions from humanitarian action to foster durable solutions, ensuring a more sustainable future for the most vulnerable populations.

“Nigerians can expect even greater efforts from us in expanding our reach, scaling up our support for the most vulnerable populations, and driving initiatives that empower individuals and communities.

“Our programmes will continue to focus on sustainable development, resilience building, and ensuring that we can deliver on the promise of migration for all,” she said.

Pace added: “Whether in the context of internal displacement or international migration, Nigerians should expect that counteracting vulnerability and harnessing the many benefits of migration will remain priorities in 2025.

“The floods of 2024 demonstrated how quickly and unequivocally a disaster can push individuals into situations of vulnerability or compound already existing vulnerability.

“We will work not only to respond to such terrible events, but also to push policymaking on anticipatory action and on the environmental front, tackling climate change and land and livelihood degradation.”

Pace underscored the need for sufficient regular migration pathways to tackle challenges associated with irregular migration in Nigeria.

According to her, the driving force behind irregular migration is tied to insufficiency of regular migration pathways.

Pace said, “This means the pathways that allows individuals to migrate in a safe, orderly and regular manner like family reunification or educational visa schemes are familiar to many.

“However, there are other innovative models like skills mobility partnerships, which are pathways that facilitate upskilling of actual or potential migrants to fill labour gaps, either at home or abroad.

“These not only prevent brain-drain, they offer viable, sustainable opportunities for migrants to move in a regular manner that governments can monitor.”

She explained that, for 18 months, the organisation had been prioritising regular pathways, because its social and economic benefits to both governments and migrants are enormous.

She commended the Federal Government, civil society, private sector and migrants themselves, for partnering with it, saying that these partnerships helped in promoting the expansion of existing regular migration pathways and creation of new ones.

“Just this week, I had the honour of speaking to the Nigeria Immigration Service on the occasion of their Anti-Smuggling Week.

“This week-long event focuses on another aspect of irregular migration – smuggling, which, together with human trafficking are two legally distinct crimes that are both harmful forms of coercive migration.

“We will continue our work with the Nigeria Immigration Service to combat smuggling or any human rights violation to migrants, not only at the borders, but throughout the full migration cycle.

“The greater the number of regular migration channels, the greater the likelihood that migrants will choose these, if and when they migrate, reducing their personal risk during the migration process,” she said.

Pace commended Nigeria’s participation in the African review process for implementation of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).

She said that it was a right step in the right direction toward positioning the country in protecting rights of migrants.

The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) is the first-ever intergovernmentally-negotiated UN agreement on a common approach to international migration.

“This global compact places enormous weight on regular pathways, as a critical avenue to safeguard the human rights of migrants and to reduce irregular migration.

“Nigeria is a Champion Country of the GCM, which means it is a thought and action leader on how best to amplify, streamline and make equitable regular migration pathways.

“In October, IOM hosted a side event to the continental review process in which numerous government officials, private sector and civil society stakeholders participated, to focus on next steps for Nigeria in this context,” she added.

By Fortune Abang

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