In collaboration with the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam), under the African Activities for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, HEDA Resource Centre had an extensive two-day community outreach program aimed at raising awareness about climate change in Benue State.
The organization successfully wrapped up this crucial initiative with an advocacy meeting hosted at the Ministry of Agriculture, presided over by Commissioner Prof. Moses Ogbaji.
Commissioner Prof. Ogbaji expressed his sincere appreciation for HEDA’s unwavering dedication to this cause, particularly in rural areas where communities bear the brunt of severe climate change impacts, including floods and other hardships.
Meanwhile, prior meeting with the commissioner, HEDA diligently visited various communities spanning different local government areas within the state. HEDA primary objective was to educate residents about the consequences of climate change and shed light on how people inadvertently contribute to this pressing issue.
Drawing from their extensive experience and research, HEDA recommends a range of solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. These include the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices such as cultivating drought-resistant crops, efficient water management, & agroforestry.
Additionally, we also urged them on the implementation of community-based programs … designed to enhance resilience to climate change, encompassing flood mitigation measures and early warning systems.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the promotion of efficient waste management and recycling systems to decrease environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reforestation and afforestation efforts are also encouraged.
Meanwhile, as part of the community outreach for climate change, HEDA visited various locations including the Abwa Community Market Square in Abwa Community along the Makurdi-Gboko road in Markurdi Local Government, Chief Msughter Lonumbe Compound in Tsiee Community, Buruku Local Government, and NKST Primary School in Kuwa, Agboughul community, Makurdi Local Government Area.
By implementing these solutions, communities in Benue State can strive towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future, effectively mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.