The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) in collaboration with the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDEVNET), have organized a one day workshop to sensitize Abians on accelerating agricultural adaptation in the face of climate change.
The event which was held at Rapha Hotels,Umuahia, was done in commemoration of the 2023 Global Week of Climate Action.
Delivering his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, called for the development of Climate Change policies and specific action plans in collaboration with the administration of Gov Alex Otti.
During the workshop, Mr. Ogbonna urged the organizers and participants to pursue clean cooking solutions and create awareness among grassroots farmers regarding new climate-smart agricultural technologies, while emphasized the importance of education and awareness campaigns to empower farmers to adapt to the changing climate.
The Director of the Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Mr Chris Ike, who represented the Commissioner at the workshop, reiterated the need to educate farmers at the grassroots level on climate-smart agricultural technologies.
He encouraged Abia farmers and cooperatives to take advantage of the insurance offered by the African Development Bank to support them during these challenging times in agriculture.
Presenting the first paper at the workshop titled “Accelerating Agricultural and Climate Change Adaptation in Abia State; The NEWMAP Approach”, Mr. Prince Onyenwaku, the Natural Resources Management/Climate Change Desk Officer from Abia NEWMAP, discussed the harmful agricultural practices that have led to climate change issues in the state. These practices,include,selling off community lands, improper drainage termination, deforestation, and targeting of iconic tree species.
Mr. Onyenwaku,however,highlighted various remediation techniques such as bio-engineering, soil and water conservation, farming across slopes, capacity building for community farmers, gender inclusivity, establishment of environment jet clubs, and stakeholder engagement meetings with local leaders.
The convener of the summit, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Mr Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, in his paper presentation on the Global Week of Climate Action 2023, said objective of the summit was to mobilize and engage stakeholders in addressing climate change threats and implementing strategies such as early warning signs, climate-smart agricultural practices, water management, capacity building, financial support, policy frameworks, research and innovations.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
The workshop brought together representatives from the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDEVNET), the African Network on Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the Organization of Economic Development (OECD), Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Women Affairs, and Youth Development, as well as, other groups, students, and civil society actors.
Participants at the workshop engaged in group presentations and discussions, and a communique was issued at the end of the program.
Moreso,the workshop on accelerating agricultural adaptation to climate change in Abia state, highlighted the importance of collaboration, awareness, and targeted actions to enable farmers to adjust to the challenges posed by climate change.
