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FAO, Yobe review climate-smart agriculture investment framework – EnviroNews
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The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Yobe Government and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have reviewed a climate-resilient livelihoods strategy and investment framework for 2026–2030.
The Head of Office for North-East Operations, Mr. Ali Galol made this known at a validation workshop in Damaturu on Friday.
Galol, represented by Prof. Yakaka Maina, a natural resources and energy expert with FAO said the validation exercise was aimed at aligning proposed interventions with current realities, government priorities and available funding opportunities.
He said the framework reviewed aimed at improving food security, restoring livelihoods and strengthening the resilience of communities affected by climate change, land degradation, displacement and economic hardship.
He stressed the need to translate the strategy into practical and cost-effective investments that would deliver lasting benefits to vulnerable communities.
Galol said the review took into consideration emerging challenges, including displacement, resettlement, malnutrition, gender inequality and social inclusion.
According to him, stakeholders would assess the costs and expected benefits of proposed interventions to strengthen resource mobilisation and ensure effective implementation.
He said consultations with affected communities, local groups and government institutions were central to ensuring that the strategy reflected the actual needs and priorities of beneficiaries.
In a presentation, Dr Angarawai Ignatius, an ICRISAT consultant, said the institute was collaborating with FAO Nigeria to develop climate-smart agricultural investment frameworks for Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Benue states.
He said the frameworks incorporated the Durable Solutions approach into agricultural planning to enable displaced persons, returnees and host communities to rebuild their livelihoods and develop sustainable economic opportunities.
Ignatius identified climate-smart agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture, nutrition, natural resource management, land restoration, gender equality and social inclusion as priority investment areas.
He stressed the need to identify viable and evidence-based investments capable of attracting funding, strengthening local agricultural systems and ensuring sustainable outcomes beyond the implementation period of development programmes.
He added that the initiative would also create opportunities to support women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
Also speaking, Mr Shaibu Mohammad of the Climate Awareness Advocacy and Resilience Initiative commended FAO and ICRISAT for providing a platform to identify climate-smart agricultural investment opportunities in the state.
Mohammad said the initiative would help raise awareness on climate-smart farming, improve knowledge of water management and attract investment to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture in Yobe.
Similarly, Samira Shu’aibu, Technical Focal Point at the Yobe State Durable Solutions Secretariat, urged development partners to align their interventions with the state’s existing action plan.
She said such alignment was necessary to ensure effective coordination and prevent duplication of efforts.
The outcome of the workshop, according to her, is expected to provide a practical basis for mobilising resources, coordinating development interventions and implementing sustainable agricultural and livelihood programmes across Yobe.
She said the initiatives were also expected to contribute to improved food security and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities to the effects of climate change.
The workshop brought together representatives of state ministries, development partners, research institutions, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment.
By Ahmed Isa Abba
