To mitigate the impacts of climate change, the federal government has secured $198,175 in grants from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to curtail open-field burning practices among farmers.
The 18-month project to be implemented in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue state is aimed at sensitising farmers on the danger of open field burning as well as sustainable measures crop residuals can be converted into.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Temitope Fashedemi, during a workshop on the implementation of Nigeria Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) in Nasarawa yesterday said the project 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.
