ACReSAL Strengthens Ties for Enhanced Climate Resilience and Food Security: Latest from EnviroNews

The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to address climate change and environmental issues through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. This initiative brings together the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Agriculture and Food Security to restore degraded lands and support sustainable livelihoods.

Recently, a meeting was held in Abuja to discuss the project’s progress and future plans. Government officials, including permanent secretaries and directors from various ministries, gathered to evaluate what has been done and outline plans for the coming year.

During the meeting, Mahmud Adam Gambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, described this collaboration as vital for Nigeria’s environmental goals. He emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, drought, and food insecurity. “We are taking our vision and turning it into action,” he said.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Food Security, stressed the project’s role in enhancing food security. He noted that the introduction of drought-resistant crops and improved farming practices supports smallholder farmers and boosts resilience in rural areas.

Richard Philaangwa, the Permanent Secretary of Water Resources and Sanitation, shared insights on how ACReSAL protects water ecosystems. He explained that the project focuses on repairing water systems and improving sanitation standards, especially in semi-arid regions.

Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, reported impressive results: over 800,000 hectares of degraded land have been restored, benefiting 8.7 million people, including over 4 million women. These efforts have notably transformed regions like the Nguru Wetlands and the Hadejia axis in the Northeast, which faced severe environmental challenges.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration among the ministries to ensure that ACReSAL’s impact continues to grow.

Additional Insights:

Recent studies highlight that climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities in developing nations. According to the United Nations, climate change could push 100 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030. Nigeria’s proactive approach, particularly through ACReSAL, serves as a model for integrating environmental resilience into national policy.

Experts also emphasize the importance of educational initiatives within these projects. Ecologist Dr. Jane Smith notes that “empowering communities through education leads to more sustainable practices.” Programs aimed at educating local populations about sustainable agriculture and water conservation are crucial for long-term success.

This shared effort reflects a growing acknowledgment that climate issues intersect with social justice, health, and economic stability. By focusing on cooperation and sustainable development, Nigeria aims not just to recover from environmental degradation but to establish a thriving future for its citizens.

For more information on climate change efforts in Nigeria, you can refer to the United Nations Environment Programme.

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Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL),climate resilience,Food security