Stakeholders Urge Climate Policy Reforms in Kwara State

Stakeholders in Kwara State convened to call for urgent policy reforms aimed at strengthening climate resilience and food security among rural communities. The discussions, held over the weekend, emphasized the need for policies that address food shortages and boost socio-economic growth.

Professor Andrew Onwuemel from the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) presented findings from a study on the palm tree project, revealing increased vulnerability among rural communities due to climate-related issues such as drought and flooding. The study indicated that access to early warning information remains low among vulnerable communities, limiting their preparedness for climate shocks.

The research identified two main factors contributing to flooding in Kwara State: overflow from the River Niger and the release of excess water from the Kanji and Jebba dams. These findings underscore the urgent need for informed policy actions to support the livelihoods of rural dwellers in the state.