FENRAD, WEP, Lili Green, others to empower rural farmers in Abia State with capacity building on Ni-Met predictions, rainfall patterns

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), in collaboration with the Institute for Water, Environment and Development (IWED), Initiative for women Empowerment and Development IWED Nigeria, Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Lili Sphere Green foundation and the Civil Society Coalition on Climate Change and Development (CSDevNet),  announced a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering rural farmers in Abia State with vital knowledge and strategies to adapt to Ni-Met (Nigerian Meteorological Agency) predictions on rainfall patterns.

According to the Programme Head EcoSystem and Climate Change, FENRAD, Comrade Henry Nwaigwe, as climate change continues to impact weather patterns globally, the need for localized interventions has become more critical.

This initiative focuses on providing rural farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges posed by irregular rainfall patterns, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring food security in the region.

FENRAD and its partners are advising farmers on crop planning and diversification, encouraging the planting of drought-resistant and flood-tolerant crop varieties based on Ni-Met’s rainfall predictions.

Efficient irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting techniques are being implemented to manage water resources during periods of irregular rainfall.

Soil conservation practices such as mulching, cover cropping, and terracing are also being promoted to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil moisture.

To address potential flooding, the initiative includes the construction and maintenance of drainage systems, levees, and flood barriers in flood-prone areas.

Roads and buildings are being designed and constructed to withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding, with elevated structures and improved drainage systems ensuring greater resilience.

Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate communities about predicted rainfall patterns and potential impacts.

Information on how to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events is being disseminated widely. Additionally, emergency response plans, including early warning systems and evacuation plans, are being developed and implemented for communities at risk of flooding.

Efforts are also being made to improve environmental conservation, with reforestation and afforestation projects aimed at enhancing water absorption and reducing the risk of soil erosion and flooding.

Wetland restoration initiatives are being undertaken to protect and restore wetlands, enhancing their natural ability to absorb excess rainwater and mitigate flooding.

The success of these interventions hinges on collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and community groups to implement and monitor activities effectively.

Policies supporting sustainable land use and water management practices are being developed in response to changing rainfall patterns, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability.

Continuous monitoring of rainfall patterns and their impacts is being carried out to refine predictions and interventions. Data collected will be used to improve future planning and response strategies.

Investment in research and innovation is also being made to develop new technologies and practices that can help mitigate the impacts of changing rainfall patterns.

These interventions aim to minimize the negative effects of irregular rainfall patterns, such as crop failures, flooding, and infrastructure damage, while maximizing the benefits of favorable weather conditions.

FENRAD and partners committed to supporting the rural farming communities of Abia State in building resilience and ensuring sustainable development.