Conservation foundation advances climate-smart agriculture, forest restoration in Bayelsa

 

By Barbara Nwaiwu

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) says it is advancing climate-smart agriculture and forest restoration across communities in Bayelsa State through targeted interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience, improving livelihoods and promoting biodiversity conservation.

The Climate Change Lead at NCF, Mr Shittu Usman, disclosed this on Friday in Yenagoa during a stakeholders meeting themed, “Catalysing Local Action for Climate Justice in Nigeria”.

Usman said communities in the state were increasingly facing the effects of climate change, including changing rainfall patterns, declining soil productivity and increasing pressure on forest ecosystems.

According to him, NCF, with support from the Ford Foundation, is implementing an intervention within the support zone of the proposed Edumanon National Park to build resilience, improve livelihoods and encourage biodiversity conservation.

He explained that the initiative was designed to establish a foundation for community-led climate resilience by combining livelihood support, environmental conservation and local governance mechanisms.

“Through continuous engagement and capacity building, we hope to encourage long-term sustainable practices across the communities.”

“The communities include Idema, Obeduma, and Eboh communities,” he said.

Usman said the intervention also integrates women-led economic empowerment, youth participation in forest restoration and stronger community governance systems to create a comprehensive grassroots climate action model.

He identified sustainable agriculture as a major component of the programme, noting that 100 community members comprising men, women and youths had already received training in climate-smart agricultural practices.

According to him, the training covered sustainable land preparation, crop diversification, soil fertility management and climate-resilient farming techniques.

“To ensure practical application, 1,000 improved plantain suckers were distributed across the three communities. Demonstration farms were also established, serving as local learning hubs where farmers can observe and replicate best practices to improve yields and adapt to climate variability,” he said.

Usman further disclosed that 40 women had been trained in vegetable gardening techniques in recognition of their role in food systems and household nutrition.

He said the training focused on small-scale, high-yield production methods, the use of organic manure and efficient water management practices, while participants also received improved vegetable seeds including okra, tomato and pumpkin.

“The intervention is expected to strengthen household nutrition, enhance food security, and provide an additional source of income for women and their families.”

“Young people in the communities were also engaged as key drivers of environmental restoration, with 40 youths trained in forest tree nursery development and management, including seed selection, germination, and transplanting techniques.”

“Following the training, the youths successfully raised 40,000 tree seedlings within a few weeks. These seedlings are intended for future planting in degraded forest areas, contributing to reforestation, carbon sequestration, and long-term ecosystem restoration,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Community Development Chairman, Mr Leslie Odu, said the programme was increasing awareness within communities on the importance of conservation and sustainable resource management.

Odu added that engagement with local leaders was encouraging stronger participation in protecting forests and mangroves across the state for future generations.

Also speaking, beneficiary Mrs Rose Ebufu said the vegetable gardening training had equipped her with knowledge and skills that could improve household food production and create additional income opportunities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and participate,” Ebufu said.

Commenting on the long-term significance of the initiative, the DG of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, said durable conservation outcomes become more achievable when local communities are equipped with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to participate meaningfully.

According to him, the intervention reflects NCF’s commitment to supporting people-centred approaches that promote environmental sustainability and resilient livelihoods.

The project also included governance-focused interventions, with NCF facilitating dialogue sessions involving community and religious leaders on mangrove and forest protection, sustainable resource use and prevention of illegal exploitation of forest resources.

A key outcome of the engagement, according to the foundation, is the commitment by local leaders to develop and enforce community bye-laws aimed at protecting forest ecosystems and strengthening local ownership of conservation efforts.

NCF noted that by combining agriculture, forestry and governance, the programme demonstrates how integrated community-based approaches can address environmental and socio-economic challenges while improving climate resilience and livelihoods.