By Grace Samuel
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $50 million grant to strengthen the Yobe State Environmental and Climate Change Action Project (ECCAP), aimed at bolstering resilience against climate change impacts and enhancing food security in northeast Nigeria.
This financial backing, announced by the bank on Tuesday, is poised to benefit over 3.5 million individuals in the region by addressing climate risks, bolstering food security, and improving livelihoods.
The ECCAP initiative, with a total funding of approximately $101.34 million, comprises $50 million from AfDB and an additional $30 million co-financing from BADEA.
The Yobe State Government has committed $4.52 million in counterpart funding, with beneficiaries contributing another $16.82 million.
Yobe State grapples with protracted communal conflicts and insurgency, exacerbating environmental and economic challenges.
With 72% of its population living below the poverty line, the state faces significant climate change risks, underscoring the significance of the ECCAP project.
The ECCAP endeavor is geared towards mitigating droughts and desertification while promoting women’s empowerment and the development of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
To achieve these objectives, the project encompasses initiatives such as the provision of small ruminants and efficient cooking stoves.
Additionally, it entails assisting in the formulation of Yobe State’s Gender Policy.
AfDB’s commitment to Nigeria encompasses a diverse portfolio of 50 projects totaling $4.6 billion, aligning with the Bank’s strategic objectives for sustainable development across Africa.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of AfDB, lauded the project’s comprehensive approach in addressing issues including insecurity, vulnerability, food security, and environmental conservation.
He hailed the project as a blueprint for fostering robust and sustainable livelihoods in a unified manner.