As the World marked the 2024 World Environment Day, the OLEGH Centre for Community Development has called on governments and extractive companies to invest in agriculture practices.
In a paper presented by Ms. Rebecca Apenu, its Programme Officer, OLEGH Centre said agriculture practices such as agroforestry, permaculture and regenerative agriculture enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, boost biodiversity and create resilient ecosystems.
The theme of the celebration is, “Empowering Women, Transforming Communities. It took place on Wednesday, May 5th.
OLEGH Centre lamented the damage that oil spills, gas flaring, soil erosion, deforestation and extensive laying of oil pipelines have done to the environment in the Niger Delta.
It said such damage has led to the loss of mangrove forests and arable land, coastal erosion, diminished agricultural productivity and threat to local farmers’ livelihoods.
“This degradation impacts food security and leads to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Restoring the land equates to restoring hope, life, economic prosperity and livelihoods,” OLEGH said.
The centre also called attention to similar devastation of the environment in northern Nigeria with increasing frequency and severity of droughts, water scarcity, crop failures and reduced food availability, which are worsening poverty and hunger among vulnerable populations.
It also talked about climate change, which has increased flooding, temperatures, sea levels and unpredictable seasons. “These environmental shocks undermine community resilience and increase vulnerability to future climate-related disasters,” OLEGH said.
It lamented that despite their crucial role in agriculture and natural resource management, women often lack access to land, resources and decision making platforms. “Empowering Women is essential for achieving broader environmental and social goals,” it said.
Among other suggestions, OLEGH Centre urged support for SDG5, AU’s Agenda 2063 both aligning with gender equality, SDG 15 (life on land) and implementing policies that promote sustainable land use management.
