2,180 disability communities to benefit from climate-smart agriculture training

No fewer than 2,180 persons from disability communities across six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will benefit from training on sustainable climate-smart agricultural practices aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate change.

The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and The Leprosy Mission Sweden, with support from the Swedish Mission Council (SMC).

Speaking during a one-day PIAC/Stakeholders meeting organised for members of the Project Advisory Committee in Sokoto, the State Programme Officer of

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Mr. Ameh Jerry, said the project seeks to enhance community resilience through climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and the promotion of gender equality, human rights, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

According to him, the programme will be implemented in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and will train 30 master trainers on climate change management, environmental sustainability, conflict sensitivity, and religious tolerance to support effective implementation of the project.

“In Sokoto State, the project will focus on four disability communities located in Kara, Bodinga, Gwadabawa, and Amanawa. Our goal is to equip beneficiaries with modern agricultural techniques that will improve climate resilience and adaptation,” Jerry said.

He explained that the intervention aligns with six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will support vulnerable populations through vocational training and climate-smart agricultural initiatives.

The programme targets 1,860 beneficiaries in 20 communities across six states, intending to improve resilience to climate change through adaptive farming practices and sustainable resource management by 2028.

Jerry further disclosed that 300 community-based organisations and civil society groups would be strengthened through capacity-building programmes to enable them to advocate for environmental sustainability and adaptive agriculture policies.

As part of efforts to promote economic inclusion, the project will support 42 self-help groups comprising women, youths, and persons with disabilities by linking them to resources, markets, and fair-trade opportunities.

He added that 180 women, youths, and persons with disabilities would receive digital technology training to enhance their market access and business opportunities.

“Additionally, at least 200 young women and men will be trained and certified in agribusiness and other vocational skills, equipping them with employable competencies in agriculture and the formal sector,” he said.

The programme also includes support for 60 community farmers living with disabilities, including women and youths, who will receive assistive technologies to improve their functional abilities and boost productivity in their economic activities.

In his remarks, the State Programme Manager of Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control at the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, Dr. Sanusi Ridwan, commended The Leprosy Mission Nigeria for bringing the initiative to the state.

He expressed confidence that the project would contribute significantly to improving the socio-economic well-being of vulnerable groups while promoting climate resilience and inclusive development in the affected communities.