FCT communities take action on climate change

Residents of Mpape, Katampe, Dutse-Pe, and Dutse Alhaji communities in the Federal Capital Territory have begun taking active steps toward climate resilience following a series of grassroots awareness and training sessions aimed at strengthening local adaptation to climate change impacts. The initiative, implemented between March and April 2026 by the HipCity Innovation Centre, formed part […]

Residents of Mpape, Katampe, Dutse-Pe, and Dutse Alhaji communities in the Federal Capital Territory have begun taking active steps toward climate resilience following a series of grassroots awareness and training sessions aimed at strengthening local adaptation to climate change impacts.

The initiative, implemented between March and April 2026 by the HipCity Innovation Centre, formed part of the project titled “Addressing Climate Risk and Adaptation Measures in Abuja’s Unplanned Settlements,” supported by MISEREOR.

According to the organisers, the intervention combined Climate Change Awareness Trainings, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), designed to deepen understanding of environmental challenges and encourage community-led solutions.

The programme noted that climate change is no longer a distant concern for residents of the affected communities, but a lived reality shaping daily experiences.

“There is a quiet shift happening across Abuja’s informal settlements. It is not loud, not dramatic, but you can feel it in conversations under trees, in community halls, at the palaces of the chiefs and in the way people now talk about their environment,” the report stated.

It added that “across these communities, one thing became clear. Climate change is no longer a distant concept. It is already shaping daily life.”

During the engagements, facilitators engaged residents in palaces, schools, community halls and open spaces, with discussions tailored to local realities.

In Mpape, participants raised concerns about rapid urban expansion and environmental pressure. In Katampe, residents highlighted heat stress and drainage challenges, while communities in Dutse-Pe and Dutse Alhaji pointed to flooding, water scarcity and livelihood strain.

The sessions, facilitated by HipCity Innovation focused on simplifying climate concepts for better community understanding.

“There was no rush to impress with technical language. Instead, discussions were built around everyday experiences,” the report noted, adding that facilitators engaged participants on issues such as rising temperatures, flooding and human activities.

The programme also featured Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews, where residents shared personal experiences of climate impacts.

“Farmers talked about reduced yields. Traders mentioned how extreme weather disrupts business. Others shared concerns about health, water shortages, and the growing discomfort from heat,” it stated.

Community leaders, according to the report, observed that “seasons are no longer predictable, and traditional coping systems are being stretched.”

A key component of the intervention was vulnerability mapping, where residents identified flood-prone areas, fire-risk zones, regions affected by water scarcity and locations experiencing severe heat stress.

“This exercise did something important. It shifted the conversation from general awareness to specific action,” the report said.

Residents also proposed local solutions including improved waste management, drainage clearance, better water storage systems and increased adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power.

The initiative further identified active community members for continued engagement in advocacy, storytelling and mobilisation efforts aimed at strengthening grassroots climate action.

Post-training assessments showed improved understanding of climate change among participants, with organisers noting a shift from passive awareness to active engagement.

Across all four communities, the programme recorded strong participation, increased awareness, active dialogue, community-driven adaptation ideas and positive reception from residents and traditional leaders.

The organisers added that while climate change remains a growing challenge, “people are asking questions.

“They are connecting experiences. They are thinking ahead,” adding that meaningful change is beginning “quietly, from within.”

However, the inherent risks brought about by Climate Change needs urgent attention by relevant governments MDAs to make our informal areas livable as these areas provide most of the city’s workforce and yet they are the most at risks.

HipCity Innovation Centre hopes that these MDAs will co-create solutions with these communities to build their resilience and improve their adaptation capabilities to withstand the impacts of Climate Change in their respective areas.