BY JULIET EKWENUGO, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has called for the effective integration of climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability and inclusive livelihood opportunities into the implementation of the Kaduna State Agriculture, Livelihoods and Natural Resources Strategy 2027–2031.
The Co-lead, Agricultural Sector of KADCCAM, Rev. Michael Ijah Ikpa, made the call at the Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop on the strategy organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture.
The workshop was held under the FAO Technical Cooperation Project (TCP), titled “Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement Through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement,” and brought together stakeholders from different locations and sectors to review, validate and provide inputs towards strengthening the strategy.
Ikpa commended FAO and the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture for providing an inclusive platform for stakeholders to contribute to a framework that will guide agricultural and natural resources development in Kaduna State.
He also congratulated the Project Coordinator, Engr. Shehu Mohammed Dalhat, for his commitment and leadership in organising the programme, stressing that the participation of government institutions, civil society organisations, agricultural stakeholders and development partners was essential to ensuring that the strategy reflects the realities, opportunities and challenges facing farmers and communities.
According to him, climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, natural resource management, food security, livelihood improvement and inclusive agricultural development should remain central to the implementation of the strategy.
Also speaking on behalf of the Co-Chair of KADCCAM, Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, the Director, Jobulb EduConsult, Ms. Joyce Adeji, said broad stakeholder participation was critical to ensuring ownership, effectiveness and sustainability of the 2027–2031 strategy.
Adeji urged the authorities to ensure that contributions made by stakeholders during the validation process were adequately reflected in the final document, particularly those addressing the needs of farmers, communities, agricultural value-chain actors, women, young people and other vulnerable groups.
She also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community stakeholders and the private sector in implementing the strategy and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Kaduna State.
KADCCAM further commended the FAO technical cooperation project, noting its potential to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains and enhance farmers’ livelihoods through sustainable practices, while urging stakeholders to remain committed to the implementation of the validated strategy.
