Smart Agriculture, Reforestation Key To Climate Change Mitigation- Ugbor

As part of efforts to combat climate change and food insecurity, the Member Representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Terseer Ugbor, has called on governments to undertake massive reforestation and adopt climate-smart agriculture.

Speaking as a panelist at the Nigerian Climate Change Forum in Abuja, Ugbor who is also the deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, explained that this approach will not only help to mitigate the effects of climate change but also improve food production and ensure sustainable development in the country.

The Lawmaker expressed concerns that his Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, once rich in forestry and renowned for its Rosewood, commonly known as ‘Madrid,’ has now been entirely depleted, leading to loss of revenue and economic activity for the communities.

He stated that “As long as we don’t prioritize tree planting and reforestation, we will continue to lose habitat and biodiversity, and we’ll continue to suffer the effects of climate change.”

“This is why we’re having massive desertification, droughts, and irregular rainfall, which is contributing to the challenges we’re facing in Nigeria.’

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, highlighted the need for policy changes, citing the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, which he hopes to improve by incorporating social components.

“So, as a Parliament, our priority is to advance policies and legislation that seek to address these things.’

“For example, we’re trying to improve the Environmental Impact Assessment Act to include the social components so it becomes an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment,
to enable us to evaluate the effects of our activities not only on the environment but also on the welfare and livelihoods of our people and communities.”

The forum brought together, key stakeholders in the environment sector from the public and private sector, including Commissioners of Environment, Advisers, and Director Generals of Climate Change Agencies, Development Partners, Banks, Oil and Gas companies, among others.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji