Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
May 9, 2023.
The Borno State government has unveiled the climate change plan of action with livelihoods support to 1.6 million vulnerable persons in the state.
The plan of action is supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED).
Unveiling the plan of action, yesterday, (Tuesday), in Maiduguri, the State Commissioner for Environment, Yerima Saleh, disclosed at a climate change workshop that the project was to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Yerima, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Habib Modu Abadam, said: “Our plans of action, is to tackle the interconnected issues of climate change, food insecurity and conflict through collaborative approaches.”
He said that the plan of action will support the development of the state and community level implementation plans across the state.
“This will build coalitions and other development partners in the execution of pro-poor climate actions,” he declared.
On the inclusive plans of action, he said: “In addition to promoting gender-sensitive climate resilient agricultural practices that comply with existing government regulations.”
While mitigating climate change, he said: “We’re developing resistant crop resistance crop varieties that are resilient to climate change.”
Meanwhile, he said that 3, 500 wash bores and boreholes were provided to the various communities affected by climate change.
He, therefore, urged that earth dams be provided to farmers and herders, so that water could be harvested to prevent perennial flooding.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bulama Babagana warned against dependence of ground water for domestic and industrial uses.
The UNDP Head of Northeast, Sub-Office, Dr. Moncef Kartas, disclosed: “There should be a frame work that could address the issues of sustainability of executed projects,” adding that the frame work could be incorporated into State’s Development Plans.
According to him, the incorporation of the frame work, will create both jobse along with livelihood support.
He noted that partnership with community leadership will create an environment for both investments and entrepreneurship.
“The climate change affected states should follow up the completed projects with sustainability plans on service delivery to the people,” he said.
End.
