From Leo Zwànke, Lafia
In a concerted effort to combat climate change and restore degraded farmlands, communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, are embracing innovative solutions like oil palm cultivation and briquette production.
The Agunji community in Nasarawa Eggon is at the forefront of this initiative, working not only to reverse environmental damage but also to achieve economic independence. Supported by organizations such as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), and Africa Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ), these projects are transforming lives and livelihoods in the region, with local leaders expressing strong optimism for a sustainable future.
In Agunji, an ambitious oil palm plantation project is already yielding positive results. Last year, the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) donated 1,500 improved oil palm seedlings to the community, which are now thriving and developing into promising plantations.
Sarkin Agunji, Abdullahi Yakubu, shared the community’s enthusiasm: “I can tell you that Agunji is on the road to Malaysia with this oil palm initiative, and within the next few years, you will return here to witness the evolution.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, which has long affected the community. Oil palms, mahogany, and cashews are now viewed as long-term investments for safeguarding both the environment and livelihoods.
Clement Mose, a youth leader, emphasized that the goal extends beyond recovery to prosperity: “We are not only working to protect the community from climate change effects but also to ensure economic prosperity for all members.”
However, community members acknowledge the need for patience. Experts highlight that oil palm trees, specifically the Tenera hybrid variety, take 3-4 years to start bearing fruit. Other economic trees, such as cashew, begin producing after three years, while mahogany may take 20 to 30 years to mature fully.
To support the community in the interim, organizations like YMCA and ASSAPIN, with backing from Oxfam, are implementing interim solutions such as briquette production, village savings and loan schemes, crop rotation, and cassava processing.
The briquette initiative is particularly impactful, offering clean energy alternatives and reducing deforestation linked to the logging industry. Mose explained, “Our women and youths are generating significant income from briquettes. Their earnings are being reinvested and diversified through the village savings and loan scheme.”
The Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) has been another crucial intervention. This financial model enables members to save money and access loans, providing essential financial security. “After four weeks of saving, members can borrow up to three times the value of their savings,” Mose added. With favorable interest rates, many women and youths are now investing in alternative vocations.
Similar initiatives are emerging in other parts of Nasarawa State. Mrs. Justina Bala, a smallholder farmer in Bukansidi, Lafia, noted that her community has been empowered to face climate challenges. After suffering significant losses from flooding, they have shifted to tree planting and economic activities introduced through YMCA and ASSAPIN training programs. “I can tell you we are better off today thanks to these interventions,” she stated.
Local leaders are also championing these solutions. Mr. Jerry Ibrahim, a councilor representing Ningo/Bohar Ward in Akwanga, expressed his intention to replicate the oil palm initiative in his constituency. “I have resolved to acquire more seedlings for the empowerment of my people,” Ibrahim said.
In Kokona Local Government Area, the briquette initiative has significantly reduced dependence on charcoal production. Mrs. Nancy Abdullahi from Garaku noted, “The briquette-making initiative has provided us with an alternative source of income, and tree planting has become a valued pursuit.”
Over the past three years, YMCA, ASSAPIN, and Oxfam have been implementing the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Project in Nasarawa State, reaching five local government areas. So far, they have distributed 13,500 improved oil palm seedlings from NIFOR, with plans to expand the project to five more local governments by 2025.
Mr. Ango Adamu, Executive Secretary of YMCA Mada Hills, confirmed that the expansion will bring the total number of distributed seedlings to 27,000. “Between June and July 2024, we will be establishing community nurseries in Wamba, Doma, Karu, Nasarawa, and Keana LGAs for the 2025 planting season,” Adamu said.
With this combination of long-term and short-term strategies, Nasarawa communities are not just surviving in the face of climate change but are positioning themselves for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
