On September 28, 2024, Ecosystem Sustainability Network (EcoSusNet), under the Empowering Youth Civil Society to Build Stronger Communities project, facilitated a robust community dialogue in Akwanga, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s climate policies and localised solutions for climate resilience.
The workshop, supported by the Nigerian Youth SDGs Network and the German Missions in Nigeria, aimed to foster discussions on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with an emphasis on creating climate solutions for the Akwanga community.
The dialogue attracted participants from a broad spectrum of society, including representatives from the traditional council, government officials, religious groups, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs), farmers, the student community, and security agencies.
Among the key attendees were Emir Luka Kudu, Chief Community Leader of Akwanga, Ibribom Warimam Emmanuella from the Department of Environment Akwanga, and Musa Peter Kigbu from Word Feast Ministry.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Nigerian communities, with impacts such as desertification, flooding, and food insecurity growing more severe. The NAP and NDCs are vital policy frameworks that guide the country’s efforts to adapt to these challenges and reduce emissions. Nigeria’s NDCs pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, with the potential to increase this to 45% with international support. Discussions at the dialogue focused on localising these national strategies, making them actionable and impactful within the Akwanga community.
Emir Luka Kudu, reflecting on the role of traditional leaders in climate advocacy, emphasised the need for community cooperation: “Climate change affects us all, and as custodians of our communities, we must lead the charge in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring our people are aware of the dangers we face.”
Discussions ranged from innovative ways to implement the NAP and NDCs to grassroots solutions that address climate-related problems. A critical issue raised was the impact of erratic weather patterns on agriculture, which has disrupted livelihoods in Akwanga.
Farmer Simon Atuwase Shidofakin shared his experiences: “The rains are no longer predictable. We need strategies that will help us adapt and protect our crops. This dialogue gives us hope that together we can find solutions.”
James Chami from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) highlighted the role of security agencies in climate adaptation efforts, noting that, “Environmental degradation often leads to conflicts over resources. By addressing these issues proactively, we can reduce tensions and ensure peace in our communities.”
The role of religious leaders in promoting climate action was also a focal point. Abubakar Dauda, representing the Muslim Leaders Community, stressed that faith communities must take the lead in advocating for environmental stewardship: “Our religion teaches us to be caretakers of the Earth. We must incorporate these teachings into our daily lives and encourage our followers to do the same.”
The dialogue was equally inclusive of marginalised groups, with Emmanuel Yamu, a member of the PWD community, calling for accessible climate action plans: “People with disabilities face unique challenges when it comes to climate change. It’s important that we are not left out of the solutions. This dialogue is a step in the right direction.”
Ms Ibribom Warimam Emmanuella from the Department of Environment applauded the collaborative nature of the event. “Bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders ensures that we have a holistic approach to solving the climate crisis. We need more of these conversations to create lasting solutions,” she stated.
By the end of the dialogue, participants expressed optimism about the future of climate resilience in Akwanga. The workshop concluded with a call for sustained community engagement and the development of action plans that reflect local needs and capacities.
EcoSusNet’s Project Officer, Mr Tashi David Manasseh, praised the collaborative spirit of the event. “We are thrilled by the turnout and the level of engagement from the community. This dialogue is just the beginning of our journey to build stronger, more resilient communities that can tackle the challenges of climate change.”
As climate change continues to threaten livelihoods across Nigeria, community-based dialogues like this one are crucial in bridging the gap between national climate policies and local implementation. The insights gained from this multi-stakeholder discussion will serve as a foundation for future climate resilience efforts in Akwanga and beyond.
