The climate change programme of International Alert Nigeria would assist four communities in Benue State’s Makurdi and Agatu Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The effort, a state pilot project, is also designed to increase farmers’ production in the targeted communities while also promoting harmony between farmers and herders.
International Alert and the Benue State Government inaugurated the programme dubbed “Powering Peace Through Climate Action” in Makurdi last weekend as a means of launching the 24-month project.
The Government of Ireland-funded project also has the ability to promote peace, address the effects of climate change, and alter the local economies of the communities it is intended to benefit.
Paul-Bemshima Nyulaku, the Country Director for International Alert Nigeria, spoke at the event and explained how extreme weather conditions in places like flooding, heat, and drought have caused soil degradation and low crop yields.
He suggested that the drop in agricultural output helps to demoralize farmers, which could eventually result in a change in their way of life, particularly in rural areas.
Read Also: climate-change-fellows-urged-to-support-advocacy
The Country Director also observed that the scarcity and competition for land and other natural resources has led to violent conflicts among groups across the country.
He pointed out, “Before now, we know how big Benue yams used to be, but today, they are shrinking. We are worried that our yields are reducing and there is every need to do something to change that.
Therefore, International Alert advised the Benue state government, traditional institutions, and stakeholders to support the project to make it a success.
Launching the project, State Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Godwin Oyiwona, was delighted that International Alert considered Benue as one of the pilots states to implement the project.
The Commissioner who stated that the damage done to Benue people over the years as a result of climate change was enormous, pledged that government would provide the necessary support to ensure the project does not only succeed but improve the livelihood of the people.
The Ad’Agatu who is also the Chairman of Agatu Traditional Council, Chief Godwin Onah, expressed the preparedness of the traditional council to partner with International Alert on peacebuilding in his community that has been ravaged by crisis, insisting that peace was paramount in life.
Commending the organization for their peace-building intervention, especially in the area of climate change, Helen Teghtegh, leader of Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs) in the state, pledged the support of CSOs to ensure that the project succeeds.
Story adapted from Daily Independent
