Nigeria: Surge Africa hosts stakeholders’ dialogue on adaptation, conservation policies in Kano 

As part of its broader policy advocacy program, Surge Africa, a nonprofit that works at the intersection of policy, media and resilience building, recently hosted a stakeholders’ dialogue on adaptation and conservation policies in Kano state, northwestern Nigeria, attended by stakeholders from government and non–state actors.

In a press statement, Surge Africa said the dialogue, which examined the impacts of climate change in the state, was aimed at charting viable pathways for building a climate-resilient Kano in recognition of climate change’s severe impact on lives, livelihoods and socio-economic wellbeing of the state. This, the nonprofit said, is evidenced by the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, namely floods and desert encroachment, leading to food insecurity, climate-induced migration and conflicts.

“Anthropological activities such as logging, rapid urbanization and unsustainable agricultural practices have exacerbated climate impacts on the local community’s livelihoods and economies, as well as the state’s adaptive capacity to cope with climate shocks. Pollution from improper waste management, open defecation, tanning industries and petrol-powered generators are major contributors to water and air pollution in the State,” adds the statement.

Therefore, Surge Africa said the convening created a platform for “robust and interactive” dialogue between the Kano State government and non-state actors aimed at addressing the impact of climate change and strengthening climate resilience in the state. The nonprofit said the convening also unpacked the state government’s role in improving conservation and adaptation policies as well as how state-level policies can complement national and international climate frameworks .

“This extends to introducing the Conserve 10% Policy that is being proposed by Surge Africa to the state, including the opportunities it holds from a social, financial and environmental perspective. The Conserve 10% Policy seeks to conserve 10% of Kano’s state forest land and promote sustainable forest management which will address forest degradation while increasing direct benefits to the people, the environment and the state.”