A coalition of experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates, led by Malam Abubakar Suleiman, the General Manager of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), convened in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, to confront the escalating threat of climate change on farmers.
The urgency of the situation was emphasized by Malam Abubakar Suleiman, who highlighted the stark reality of increasingly harsh weather conditions in Borno State, adding that “It is a global challenge, and we can feel it in Borno.”
The assembly delineated a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and foster sustainable development.
Central to the deliberation was the unveiling of the Borno State Climate Change Action Plan, a meticulously crafted blueprint aimed at steering the state towards resilience and adaptation. However, Malam Abubakar Suleiman cautioned that the success of this endeavor hinges crucially on the active involvement and cooperation of the public, particularly local communities.
Reiterating this, Dr. Gabriel Akeh, the Environmental Dean of the School of Environmental Technology at Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, stressed the imperative of addressing the affordability and accessibility of alternative energy sources.
He elucidated: “We are looking at affordability and access to combat climate change. This will discourage people from cutting trees because trees act as sinks for the carbon dioxide released into the air whenever we cut one.”
Moreover, the detrimental health impacts of reliance on polluting fuels, such as firewood and charcoal, were highlighted, particularly women who are disproportionately exposed to harmful smoke emissions.
Unicoo Kalu, the Advocacy and Communication Officer for the Borno Climate Change Programme, elucidated the multifaceted approach of the programme, encompassing capacity-building initiatives for state officials and grassroots interventions. He delineated the programme’s components, including the formulation of a robust Climate Change Action Plan, the establishment of community resilience groups, and the development of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
With resolve, stakeholders vowed to intensify awareness campaigns and mobilize resources to implement the newly devised action plan. The forum concluded with a unified commitment to combat climate change, safeguard the environment, and secure a sustainable future for Borno State and its inhabitants.
The implications of this concerted effort to address climate change in Borno State is far-reaching. The acknowledgment of climate change as a pressing global challenge signals a crucial shift in perception, catalyzing proactive measures to mitigate its impact at the local level. By recognizing the severity of the weather conditions in Borno State, stakeholders have laid the foundation for informed decision-making and targeted interventions to safeguard communities against environmental vulnerabilities.
The development and adoption of the Borno State Climate Change Action Plan represent a significant milestone in the state’s response to climate change. This comprehensive strategy provides a roadmap for integrating climate resilience into policy frameworks and development agendas, thereby fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the well-being of residents. However, the success of this plan hinges on robust implementation mechanisms and widespread public engagement, highlighting the importance of community participation and ownership.
