By Faridat Salifu
A total of 2,180 persons from disability communities across six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to benefit from training on climate-smart agricultural practices aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and The Leprosy Mission Sweden, with support from the Swedish Mission Council (SMC).
Speaking during a one-day PIAC/Stakeholders meeting held recently in Sokoto for members of the Project Advisory Committee, State Programme Officer of The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Mr. Ameh Jerry, said the project focuses on climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development.
He said the intervention also promotes gender equality, human rights and the inclusion of persons with disabilities as part of its broader development objectives.
According to him, the programme will be implemented in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside training on environmental sustainability, climate change management, conflict sensitivity and religious tolerance.
Jerry said in Sokoto State, the project will cover four disability communities located in Kara, Bodinga, Gwadabawa and Amanawa, where beneficiaries will be trained on modern agricultural techniques to improve climate resilience.
He added that the programme aligns with six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is designed to support vulnerable groups through vocational training and climate-smart agriculture.
The project targets 1,860 beneficiaries across 20 communities in the six states and is expected to run until 2028, with emphasis on adaptive farming practices and sustainable resource management.
Also speaking, State Programme Manager of Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control at the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, Dr. Sanusi Ridwan, commended The Leprosy Mission Nigeria for the initiative.
He said the programme would contribute to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of vulnerable groups while promoting climate resilience and inclusive development.
