- To develop tech-driven Solutions towards Climate Change Adaptation in Nigeria
Caption for lead photo: Foluke Michael, CEO and Project Director, Creative Youth Community Development Initiative and Solution17 for Climate Action and Dr. Bernd von Münchow-Pohl, Consul General of the German Consulate in Lagos
THE climate change-inspired campaign, #NaijaClimateNow, has attracted the support of the German Government, through the country’s Consulate General in Lagos, according to the promoters of the campaign, Solution17 for Climate Action.
A statement today by the organisation disclosed that the German government has “joined Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI) – Solution17 for Climate Action and the United Nations Information Centre for Nigeria (UNIC) to promote Climate Change Adaptation as a build-up to the crucial COP26 – UN Climate Change Conference, scheduled to hold in Glasgow on November 1- 12, 2021.”
The #NaijaClimateNow campaign, which began in June 2021, according to Foluke Michael, Project Director of CYCDI – Solution17 for Climate Action, was designed to “cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and prevent a climate crisis.”
#NaijaClimateNow was launched to support green businesses in climate smart agriculture, food processing, water resources, product value chain, tech for climate, biodiversity protection, and others., said Ms Michael, adding that the Solution17 for Climate Action has embarked on massive climate adaptation projects through Green Recovery to build back better environment in Lagos and Nigeria.
Ms Michael, also hinted that the the organisation is currently “calling for doers, creators, innovators, scientists, students, youths, and entrepreneurs to design and implement solutions towards Climate Change Adaptation in Nigeria through tech-driven sustainable businesses and projects in climate smart agriculture, eco-friendly growers, waste to wealth, food processing programme, food preservation and others.”
The registration, which was originally scheduled to close by July 31, 2021 has been extended to August 31, 2021 to allow wider registration and submission of solutions in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
According to the project director, the support from the government of Germany will help “promote the Green Entrepreneurs to champion Green Recovery in Lagos and across other Nigeria states. It will also cover the training of 34 Finalists, Incentives for growers and some equipment to support climate action enterprises beyond the project life cycle.”
Explaining the rationale behind the campaign further, Ms Michael gives the following breakdown:
Covid 19 and impact on the economy: The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in an enormous economic loss. This is aside the constant devaluation of the naira and massive insecurity that has caused shortage of food supply across Nigeria.
The rate of poverty has drastically increased in Nigeria. Households have lost about one-quarter of their incomes, and over 17 million people were added to the poverty class in the country. Also, Lagos State has witnessed a 3.44% growth rate, with over 20% vulnerable to poverty.
Impact of Climate Change on the Economy: Agriculture is the key source of food in Nigeria, and it employs over 70% of the country’s labour force and contributes up to 40% of its national economy. Nigeria is exposed to a range of climate conditions and extreme weather events. One of the important ways climate change affects development and livelihood in Nigeria is through its impact on agriculture.
The impact of climate change has become more extreme in recent times, leading to the loss of land resources, low agricultural productivity, food scarcity and economic hardship, and also fueling herder-farmer violence in the South. Extreme climate events like flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures have resulted in soil degradation, which has led to low crop yields for most small-scale farmers. When food systems are supplied by rain-fed agriculture, even moderate rainfall patterns can substantially negatively impact productivity and food security.
Naija Climate Now: With registration now extended to 31 August 2021 from its earlier 31 July 2021 date, “the project will welcome applications from anyone under 35 years old in Nigeria who has ideas or solutions. Submission can either be by individuals or teams. All eligible entrants must apply online. The process includes Screening and Interview sessions, presentation of finalists and a virtual Innovation Hub to develop and co-create climate change solutions,” says Foluke Michael.
She adds: Later in the year, the project will showcase Nigerian-made solutions and technologies to address climate change at a special COP26 Summit and Art exhibition.”
The support by the German Government and United Nations through UNIC will reduce the rate of unemployment, poverty, zero hunger and climate change in Nigeria
