By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a climate change adaptation initiative targeting 2,000 smallholder farmers and pastoralists in 10 communities in Nguru, Yobe State.
The project, titled Sustainable Farmers-Led Adaptation Strategy (SFLAS) to Climate Change, is a one-year intervention funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
It aims to strengthen resilience in the semi-arid region by promoting sustainable agroforestry and climate-smart farming practices.
Speaking at the launch on August 1, 2025, in Nguru, Mr. Harry Junior, Coordinator of the NCF Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project, explained that the initiative will introduce climate-resilient crop varieties, digitised weather advisory systems, and alternatives to fresh livestock feed.
The project also targets environmental recovery by reducing land degradation by 80%, with half of the beneficiaries expected to adopt climate-resilient farming systems.
Additionally, it will empower 125 women to produce and market livestock feed, establish seedling banks, and enhance collaboration among farmers for peaceful coexistence.
Beneficiary communities include Maja-kura 1 and 2, Dirani, Gari Mamman, Birnin Nguru, Zamarmari, Kallari, Aroro, Dagirawa, and Gareni.
Malam Lawan Bamai, Village Head of Maja-kura and representative of the Nguru Emirate Council, expressed gratitude to NCF and UNDP, describing the project as transformative for local livelihoods.
Nguru Local Government’s Director of Agriculture, Mr. Al-meen Mohammed, pledged technical support to ensure the project’s success.
The launch event was attended by representatives from state and local government, traditional institutions, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and civil society.
