UK Commits £55 Million to Boost Nigeria’s Resilience to Climate Change and Agriculture Sector
The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged its support to enhance Nigeria’s agriculture sector’s resilience to climate change. The UK government has committed £55 million to assist more than four million people in developing better farming practices and reducing harmful carbon emissions.
During a visit to Nigeria, the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, announced the funding, stating that Nigeria’s booming population and largest economy in Africa present tremendous potential for a closer partnership between UK and Nigerian businesses. He emphasized that more than two-thirds of Nigeria’s population depends on agriculture for employment.
The funding from the UK will focus on boosting the productivity and resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, allowing for the transformation of critical agriculture and food systems to benefit people, climate, and nature. It will specifically support the development of heat and flood-tolerant crops and increase soil fertility. These efforts will not only contribute to increasing agricultural productivity but will also alleviate some agricultural trade barriers to UK imports, ultimately benefiting the UK’s economy.
In addition to supporting Nigeria’s agriculture sector, the UK has also partnered with finance firm InfraCredit to establish a £10 million facility in Nigeria. This facility aims to unlock funding for sustainable and climate-friendly infrastructure development projects, including the provision of renewable energy services and green housing in urban areas.
During his visit, the UK Foreign Secretary will announce a £55 million Propcom+ contract, which is part of the UK International Climate Finance program. This contract aims to support the transformation of Nigeria’s rural economy. Furthermore, a £2.89 million grant will assist over four million people across Nigeria in adopting and scaling up sustainable agricultural practices. These practices encompass improving animal health, increasing crop resilience, and introducing cleaner cooking methods. The support provided will enhance productivity, capacity, and resilience among small-scale farmers and rural communities while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural ecosystems.
The UK Foreign Secretary’s visit will also involve a trip to the UN Humanitarian Air Service center in Abuja. This visit will provide an opportunity to understand how the £38 million of UK funding has been utilized to assist vulnerable communities in the North-East of Nigeria, where food insecurity affects over four million people. Additionally, it will shed light on the acute malnutrition faced by two million children under five in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.
Throughout his visit, James Cleverly will engage in discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. These discussions will revolve around the UK-Nigeria partnership, prioritizing bilateral trade and investment, economic development, regional concerns, and strengthened security cooperation.
The UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agriculture sector’s resilience to climate change highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. By investing in sustainable practices and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, both countries can work towards a more secure and prosperous future.
In conclusion, the UK’s pledge of £55 million to boost Nigeria’s resilience to climate change and agriculture sector signifies a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s rural economy. Through support for sustainable agricultural practices and infrastructure development projects, the UK aims to enhance productivity, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the overall well-being of Nigeria’s people, climate, and nature. This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of both nations in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
