The Women Environmental Programme, (WEP), a Non Governmental Organisation has launched a new project to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for 100 rural women in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The project, Strengthening Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood for Rural Women in Doma Local Government Area, funded by Irish Aid with support from the Government of Ireland was unveiled at an inception meeting held on Thursday in Lafia.
Speaking at the event, Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Founder and Global Lead of WEP, said climate change was no longer a distant threat but a present reality in rural communities.
Achakpa, represented by the Head of Programme for Web and the Project Lead, Mrs Damaris Uja, said the initiative would work alongside women of Doma to strengthen their resilience to climate change and build sustainable livelihoods that support their families for many years.
“In Doma and in rural communities across Nigeria, it is felt in unpredictable rainfall, failed harvests, extreme heat and degraded land. Those who feel it first and hardest are rural women.
“At WEP, we have always believed that women are not merely victims of environmental change; they are leaders, innovators and problem solvers.
“Give a woman knowledge, tools and opportunity, and she will transform her household, her community and her environment,” she said.
Achakpa, while giving an overview of the project, said over 100 women would benefit directly, with over 1,000 households impacted indirectly.
According to her, activities will include climate education on accessing and using weather information to guide planting, and distribution of climate-resistant grains to improve yields and tackle food insecurity.
She said further that the activities would include promotion of tree planting to curb indiscriminate felling, and creation of women’s safe spaces to address challenges affecting their mental and social well-being.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Aminu Maifata, represented by Mr Adams Musa -Danasabe, Deputy Director, Local Government Inspectorate, said anything that affects women affects the community.
“Women are known to be the backbone of humanity. If you empower a woman, you empower the whole community. Our doors are always open to support development in local governments,” he said.
On her part, the representatives of the Ministries Agriculture and Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Mrs Lydia Kyari and Mrs Tabitha Akwe, described rural women as the backbone of agriculture and first defenders of the environment.
“This programme is not just a workshop; it is an investment in our collective survival. The Ministries stand with you for a cleaner, greener and wealthier Nasarawa State,” they said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Rebecca Adamu Kpadji, represented by Aisha Jibrin-Yaro, said the ministry was responsible for the registration of NGOs and serves as the gateway for empowerment support from the state government.
“You can always count on us for guidance and support. Our doors are always open for you,” she assured.
The representative of Nasarawa State Network on Environment and Climate Justice, Mr Obadiah Solomon-Ovye, said the network will support the project with its local knowledge and climate audit conducted across LGAs.
Also speaking, Mrs Asaba Averson, Coordinator of Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative, urged WEP to include women with disabilities in Doma in all consultations.
Similarly, the representative of the Disability Rights Commission, Awadzi Bridgetb- Christopher, commended WEP for involving persons with disabilities and pledged the commission’s collaboration.
The meeting had in attendance the representative of security agencies, the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, civil society organisations, the media and women from various communities in Doma LGA.
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