By Faridat Salifu
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has pledged its support to Nigeria in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on natural resources and agriculture.
During the 17th Meeting of the National Council on Environment in Abuja on Wednesday, the FAO Representative for Nigeria and ECOWAS, Koffy Dominque, highlighted the significant impact of climate change on land use and the agriculture sector in Nigeria.
Representing Koffy Dominque, Tofiq Braimoh, Officer in Charge of FAO Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges. “Climate change greatly affects our agriculture sector and land use,” stated Braimoh.
He acknowledged FAO’s role in facilitating substantial funding from bilateral and multilateral agencies, including the Global Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Fund (GEF), the World Bank, and donor countries, to support Nigeria’s efforts in sustainable forest management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Braimoh referenced FAO’s strategic framework for 2022-2031, aimed at developing efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems for improved production, nutrition, and environmental outcomes.
The FAO representative reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in enhancing sustainable natural resources management at all levels.
This includes assisting in implementing, monitoring, and reporting on climate commitments outlined in Nigeria’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) document.
Furthermore, FAO is dedicated to providing continuous technical support to the government in integrating agrifood systems into the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
Braimoh emphasized the critical role of these initiatives in achieving environmental sustainability and addressing the impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The collaboration between FAO and Nigeria underscores the shared commitment to building resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges, ultimately contributing to the achievement of national development goals and a more resilient agricultural sector.