The UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, has said at least four million Nigerians will benefit from the £95m Propcom+ investment aimed at increasing productivity and adapting to the effects of climate change while at the same time reducing emissions.
Cleverly, revealed this at the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
In a statement made available by the British High Commission on Tuesday, the new £95m Propcom+ programme is set to help address key barriers to sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
It would support the development of climate-resilient agricultural policies, actions, and investments that deliver nutrition, increase productivity, adapt and build resilience while reducing emissions, and protect and restore natural ecosystems.
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According to the statement, the new Propcom+ programme involves supporting inclusive and resilient growth by promoting the progressive transformation of Nigeria’s rural economy.
It stated, “The new programme will build the capacity of small-scale farmers and rural communities in climate-smart agriculture. It will work with Nigeria’s vibrant private sector on agriculture to increase productivity, improve nutrition and food security, enhance climate resilience, pursue lower emissions, and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, as well as helping to tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity.”
Cleverly said, “The Glasgow Climate Pact gave the world the tools to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and build a secure and sustainable future. Now is the time for all countries to step up their action on climate change and deliver the tangible change needed. The UK will continue to play a leading role in this mission. The funding we have announced will support countries that are facing the devastating impact of climate change, to adapt effectively.”
UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones said Nigeria is vulnerable to climate change. Llewellyn, however, noted that the UK is committed to supporting climate resilient growth in Nigeria.
