NGO Trains Farmers On Climate Early Warning In Kaduna
An NGO, Women Empowerment Programme, in collaboration with Christian Aid Nigeria, said it trained 50 rural farmers on climate early warning information in Kaduna State,Northern Nigeria.
The training, which aims to enhance food security and livelihood for women and vulnerable populations affected by severe impacts of climate related shock, was held in Kafanchan.
Addressing participants at the training, the Deputy Executive Director, WEP Nigeria, Mr John Ba’aki, said the organization was implementing a three year project titled “Actions to combat climate threats (ACCT) in Biniki and Bondong communities in Kaura Local Government Area.
Ba’aki explained that the project objectives include to promote climate-smart agricultural practices among small holder women farmers and other vulnerable groups in local communities.
“Others include to improve access to clean and sustainable energy for women and other vulnerable groups in local communities by 2026.
“It also aims to build the capacity of women groups and civil society organizations to advocate for increased investment in climate change adaptation actions by relevant government agencies,” he added.
In her presentation, Labake Olatunji, the representative of Nigerian Metreological Agency, NiMET, said the agency was committed to providing accurate and timely weather forecast for the benefit of the public, especially farmers.
While noting that information is critical if any meaningful development is to be achieved in the agricultural sector, Olatunji advises farmers to always abide by the agency’s yearly weather forecast.
“The yearly weather forecast is important as it will guide you on the amount of rainfall each local government will get and what to expect for the rainy season,” she stated.
Giving the project overview earlier, the WEP monitoring and evaluation manager, Damaris Uja, said the organization was operating on four pillars of environment, governance, peace and security.
Uja added that the project focused on promotion of sustainable agricultural practices to boost food security and empower marginalised groups to take ownership of their own development through advocacy.
In her remarks, Phoebe Yayi, the Commissioner and Administrator, Kafanchan Municipal Authority, reaffirmed the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to partner with well meaning organisations to transform the agric sector in the state.
Represented by Permanent Secretary of the Municipal Authority, Augustine Alex, she commended the organisation for prioritising women and other vulnerable groups in their programme.
Some of the participants who spoke at the event resolved to work towards reducing the effects of climate change within their communities by stepping down the training acquired.
NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi
