FG Secures $198,000 Grants From CCAC To Combat Climate Change

To combat climate change, the federal government has secured $198,175 in grants from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to restrict open-field burning practices among farmers.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Temitope Fashedemi, during a workshop on the implementation of Nigeria Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) in Nasarawa yesterday noted that the 18-month project is targeted at reducing short-lived carbon emissions from agricultural waste.

Similarly, It seeked to increase the adaptive capacity of farmers through the replacement of open-field burning of agricultural waste with clean alternatives like conservation agriculture, and briquette making among others.

The permanent secretary who was represented by the Director of Lands and Climate Change, Osadiya Olanipekun, said Nigeria is one of the few countries to expressed its commitment to reduce SLCP as part of its effort to mitigate the effect of climate change.

He said SLCPs are major contributors to global warming after greenhouse gases, noting that they are dangerous air pollutants responsible for various negative impacts on human health, agriculture and ecosystems.

Also, Fashedemi highlighted that open burning in agriculture refers to the practice of intentionally setting fire to agricultural residues or fields for various purposes, including land clearing, managing crop residues, controlling pests or preparing fields for planting.

He further noted that the ministry has secured approval from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CACC) for the project SLCP agricultural sector.

According to him, the project would be implemented in Gboko, Benue state, targeting 500 farmers and 35 extension officers, including key influencers from other LGAs and states.