A transformative training initiative on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and communal conflict management is making strides across 10 communities in five states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States. The program aims to equip Community Stakeholder Networks (CSNs) and residents with practical knowledge and skills to combat the urgent impacts of climate change.
Launched simultaneously on January 13, the training has already been held in Creek Town and Esuk Mba (Cross River State), Kono and Finima (Rivers State), and Akassa, Agbakabiriyai/Etiama/Igbetaewoama (Bayelsa State). Delta and Akwa Ibom States will join the program next week, broadening its impact.
In Nembe, Bayelsa State, the training began with a welcome address by CSN Chairman Nelson Membra, followed by opening remarks from Mr. Utavie Jeremiah, AAPW Program Manager. The sessions featured expert-led presentations by Dr. Authority Benson, a lecturer at Niger Delta University and environmental expert; Utavie Jeremiah; and Success Nwanedo, AAPW Senior Communications Officer. Key topics included climate-induced communal conflicts, climate-smart agriculture, advocacy, environmental management, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy solutions.
Participants shared firsthand experiences of climate impacts, highlighting the decline of key crops like cocoyam, breadfruit, and cassava, as well as the near extinction of marine species such as tilapia and kolokolo. Practical solutions discussed included controlled mangrove logging, adopting renewable energy, and community-driven biodiversity conservation initiatives.
In Rivers and Cross River States, knowledge-building sessions were facilitated by experts led by Isu Menidin, AAPW Project Manager, and Kevin Okereh, AAPW MEAL Manager.
This initiative is part of the “Coping with Climate Change as a Cause of Conflict in Coastal Communities of West Africa” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW) in partnership with Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP).
With its focus on fostering climate resilience, promoting peace, and preserving livelihoods, the training underscores a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in the Niger Delta and beyond.
