Bayelsa communities embrace climate-smart agriculture initiative
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has intensified efforts to build climate resilience in Bayelsa State by promoting climate-smart agriculture, forest restoration and community-led conservation initiatives in three riverine communities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Catalysing Local Action for Climate Justice in Nigeria” in Yenagoa on Friday, the Foundation’s Climate Change Lead, Mr Shittu Usman, said the initiative was helping vulnerable communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change while improving livelihoods and protecting biodiversity.
*Participants during the stakeholders' meeting on Catalysing Local Action for Climate Justice in Nigeria, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has intensified efforts to build climate resilience in Bayelsa State by promoting climate-smart agriculture, forest restoration and community-led conservation initiatives in three riverine communities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Catalysing Local Action for Climate Justice in Nigeria” in Yenagoa on Friday, the Foundation’s Climate Change Lead, Mr Shittu Usman, said the initiative was helping vulnerable communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change while improving livelihoods and protecting biodiversity.
Usman said the project, supported by the Ford Foundation, is being implemented in the support zone of the proposed Edumanon National Park, covering Idema, Obeduma and Eboh communities.
According to him, the intervention combines sustainable livelihoods, environmental conservation and strengthened local governance to build long-term community resilience.
He noted that Bayelsa communities were increasingly facing the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility and mounting pressure on forest ecosystems.
“Through continuous engagement and capacity building, we hope to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices across the communities,” he said.
Usman explained that climate-smart agriculture forms the core of the intervention, with 100 men, women and youths already trained in sustainable land preparation, crop diversification, soil fertility management and climate-resilient farming techniques.
To support practical implementation, he said the Foundation distributed 1,000 improved plantain suckers across the three communities and established demonstration farms to serve as learning centres where farmers can observe and replicate best agricultural practices.
The programme also prioritised women’s economic empowerment, with 40 women receiving training in vegetable gardening techniques, including the use of organic manure, efficient water management and high-yield production methods.
Participants were provided with improved seeds for crops such as okra, tomatoes and pumpkin to enhance household nutrition, strengthen food security and create additional sources of income.
Usman said the initiative also targets young people as key actors in environmental restoration.
He disclosed that 40 youths had been trained in forest tree nursery development and management, covering seed selection, germination and transplanting techniques.
“Following the training, the youths successfully raised 40,000 tree seedlings within a few weeks. The seedlings will be planted in degraded forest areas to support reforestation, carbon sequestration and long-term ecosystem restoration,” he said.
Beyond agriculture and reforestation, the project also seeks to strengthen community governance through dialogue sessions with traditional and religious leaders on mangrove and forest conservation, sustainable resource management and preventing illegal exploitation of forest resources.
Usman said one of the major outcomes of the engagement was the commitment by community leaders to develop and enforce bylaws aimed at protecting forest ecosystems, thereby promoting local ownership and ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Speaking at the meeting, Community Development Chairman, Mr Leslie Odu, said the initiative had increased awareness of environmental conservation and encouraged greater community participation in protecting forests and mangroves.
He expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen sustainable natural resource management for the benefit of future generations.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rose Ebufu, said the vegetable gardening training had equipped her with practical knowledge to improve food production and generate additional income for her family.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and participate,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, stressed that lasting conservation outcomes are best achieved when local communities are equipped with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to participate meaningfully.
“This intervention reflects NCF’s commitment to people-centred approaches that promote both environmental sustainability and resilient livelihoods,” Onoja said.
He added that integrated community-based initiatives such as the Bayelsa project demonstrate how agriculture, forestry and local governance can work together to address environmental and socio-economic challenges while strengthening resilience to climate change.
