FG secures $ 198,000 grants for climate mitigation
sitising farmers on the danO mitigate the impacts of ger of open field burning as climate change, the f edwell as sustainable measeral gov ernment has ures crop residuals can be secured $ 198,175 in grants converted into. from the Climate and Clean The Permanent Secretary, Air Coalition ( CCA C) to cur - Federal Ministry of tail open- field burning pracAgriculture, Temitope tices among farmers. Fashedemi, during a workThe 18- month project to be shop on the implementaimplemented in Gboko tion of Nigeria Abatement Local Government Area of of Short- Lived Climate Benue state is aimed at s enPollutants ( SLCP) in Nasarawa yesterday said the
Tproject is targeted at reducing short- lived carbon emissions from agricultural waste.
It is also meant to increase the adaptive capacity of farmers through the replacement of open- field burning of agricultural waste with clean alternatives like conservation agriculture, and briquette making among others.
The permanent secretary who was represented by the Director of Lands and Climate Change, Osadiya Olanipekun, recalled that Nigeria is one of the few countries to highlight its commitment to reduce SLCP as part of its effort to mitigate the effect of climate change.
He mentioned that SLCPS are major contributors to global warming after greenhouse gases, saying they are dangerous air pollutants responsible for various negative impacts on human health, agriculture and ecosystems.
Fashedemi explained that open burning in agriculture refers to the practice of intentionally setting fire to agricultural residues or fields for various purposes, including land clearing, managing crop residues, controlling pests or preparing fields for planting.
He said the ministry has secured approval from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition ( CACC) for the project SLCP agricultural sector.
He revealed that the project would be implemented in Gboko, Benue state, targeting 500 farmers and 35 extension officers, including key influencers from other LGAS and states.