Stakeholders seek stronger policies to mitigate climate change effects in Oyo

Community leaders, farmers, and civil society organizations on Wednesday called for improved infrastructure and stronger implementation of government policies to mitigate the effects of climate change and build a resilient socio-economic environment that supports sustainable development. They made the call in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a Validation Meeting for the Climate Equity Project […]

Community leaders, farmers, and civil society organizations on Wednesday called for improved infrastructure and stronger implementation of government policies to mitigate the effects of climate change and build a resilient socio-economic environment that supports sustainable development.

They made the call in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a Validation Meeting for the Climate Equity Project conducted in Eruwa, Iseyin, and Oyo town.

The project, themed “Amplifying Community Roles on Climate Change in Nigeria,” is sponsored by the global non-profit organization NetHope in collaboration with the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN) and Ushahidi, a Kenyan-based technology and data organization.

The meeting, held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, highlighted key climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding, and deforestation, with participants stressing the need for stronger collaboration between vulnerable communities, the government, and non-governmental organizations to address the challenges.

They urged the government to be more proactive in implementing climate-mitigation measures, noting that climate change has already reduced the production of major food crops including maize and yam, while also contributing to health challenges among women and children.

Participants emphasized the importance of enforcing environmental laws, particularly those against indiscriminate tree felling and refuse dumping in drainages, and recommended intensified advocacy and sensitization campaigns in rural communities, schools, and corporate organizations.

A farmer and participant, Dr. Lukeman Oladapo, called for government intervention in the utilization of dams for irrigation and raised concerns over the recurring scarcity and rising cost of vegetables during the dry season.

He lamented the non-utilization of existing dams in Oyo State despite their potential to support year-round farming, noting that many communities in the southwest rely heavily on vegetable supplies from northern Nigeria during the dry season.

According to him, Oyo State has about 19 earth dams that could be effectively used for potable water and irrigation, listing the Sanusi Dam in Oluyole, Ajeja Dam in Akinyele, Akufo Dam in Ido, and Ajinapa Dam in Ogbomoso, among others located in Kisi, Orelope, Saki, Okeho, and Iseyin.

He added that the Ajeja and Sanusi dams alone contain enough water to irrigate about 100 hectares of farmland if properly utilized. He urged the government to open up these facilities for farmers living around them to enhance vegetable production throughout the year.

Speaking with journalists, Seyi Olawuyi, the representative of YARN, explained that Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states were used as pilot states for the Climate Equity Project, which seeks to capture the voices of rural dwellers, riverine communities, youths, and other vulnerable groups regarding areas needing urgent government intervention.

He noted that excessive rainfall, flooding, and poor drainage systems were common complaints across the three states and urged government to provide more efficient drainage infrastructure in affected communities.

Olawoye also called on civil society organizations and other stakeholders to collaborate with government to develop sustainable solutions.

Also speaking, Rhoda Omenya, the representative of Ushahidi, said her organization supports marginalized communities by helping them raise their voices and capture data needed for informed decision-making.

She described the data validation meeting as an important step in compiling the final project report, which will later be presented to the communities to guide climate adaptation, mitigation, and broader climate action strategies.

She expressed hope that the findings would contribute to improved climate policies in the three states and across Nigeria