The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) commenced its Social, Environmental, and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) Training Workshop on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The event brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria and international experts to strengthen environmental and climate resilience in agricultural development.

The training, hosted by the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project, highlighted significant achievements in climate adaptation, sustainable farming practices, and social inclusivity.

The initiative aligns with IFAD’s global mandate to promote sustainable development in agriculture while addressing climate change risks.

Speaking at the workshop, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Sani Abiodun represented by IAN Gbinigie emphasized the project’s efforts in fostering environmental stewardship in the Niger Delta.

“Through collaboration with NiMet, we have installed automated weather stations in two states, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and mitigate climate risks,” he said.

“We have also developed 24 Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) tailored to address specific needs of commodity clusters such as cassava, rice, and fish.”

The LIFE-ND project also underscored its achievements in training over 26,470 incubatees and 966 incubators in climate mainstreaming, deploying bio-gas digesters for clean energy, and planting over 22,817 agroforestry trees to combat deforestation.

The Director of the Projects Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bukar Musa, formally opened the workshop. He highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to integrating climate resilience across all agricultural initiatives.

“We expect this training to translate into greater environmental and social sustainability in our projects, ensuring food security, job creation, and economic growth”.

He also urged participants to cascade their knowledge to local governments and farmer organizations for broader impact.

IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue praised Nigeria’s efforts in fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices.

“Through IFAD’s joint programs, innovations such as solar boreholes, bio-gas digesters, and digital tools for climate resilience are transforming rural livelihoods.”

“However, strengthening SECAP implementation is crucial in mitigating risks and achieving sustainable development.”

The workshop also featured international facilitators, Jenean and Shella from South Africa, along with local experts.

Participants engaged in sessions on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) training, crop calendar development, and social and environmental safeguards.

The event aims to establish a SECAP community of practice to ensure continued learning and implementation of climate-smart strategies.

The initiative underscores IFAD’s commitment to enhancing rural resilience through strategic investments and partnerships, bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural landscape in the face of climate challenges.