On 22nd November 2023, a one-day workshop on Global Week Climate Action 2023 was held in Umuahia, Abia State. The workshop focused on accelerating agricultural adaptation in the face of climate change. The Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, delivered a keynote address calling for the development of Climate Change policies and specific action plans in collaboration with the administration of Dr. 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. He emphasized the importance of education and awareness campaigns to empower farmers to adapt to the changing climate.
Mr. Chris Ike, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, represented the Commissioner at the workshop. He reiterated the need to educate farmers at the grassroots level on climate-smart agricultural technologies. Additionally, Mr. Ike 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.
The first paper presented at the workshop focused on “Accelerating Agricultural and Climate Change Adaptation in Abia State; The NEWMAP Approach”. Mr. Prince Onyenwaku, 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 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), delivered a paper presentation on The Global Week of Climate Action 2023. The 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, and research and innovations.
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’s Affairs, and Youth Development, as well as youth groups, students, and civil society actors. Participants engaged in group presentations and discussions, and a communique was presented at the end of the program.
Overall, 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.
