The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $50 million loan to fund the Yobe State Environmental and Climate Change Action Project (ECCAP), an initiative aimed at strengthening the ability to handle changes in the weather and environment, enhancing food security and improving livelihoods in the conflict-ridden state.
According to a statement, the $101.34 million project will receive co-financing of $30 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, while the Yobe State Government will contribute $4.52 million as counterpart funding. Project beneficiaries are expected to pool an additional $16.82 million.
Yobe, a predominantly agricultural state struggling with inter-communal conflicts and armed insurgencies, is severely affected by climate change, with a staggering 72% of its population living below the poverty line.
The ECCAP project seeks to support federal and state government efforts to combat droughts and desertification, empower women through various interventions, and increase environmental conservation measures.
AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, emphasised the project’s multi-dimensional approach, highlighting its potential to address insecurity, climate vulnerability, food insecurity and build resilient livelihoods for the people of Yobe ultimately.
Lamin Barrow, Director General of the AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, noted that ECCAP contributes to Nigeria’s climate and Sustainable Development Goals, pointing to its potential to reduce vulnerability to climate shocks and enhance the resilience of local communities.
A key component of the project is the implementation of a Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme, which incentivises tree regeneration and maintenance efforts. This initiative aims to foster the growth of 2 million trees on farms and facilitate the planting and upkeep of an additional 20 million drought-resistant trees, providing employment opportunities and contributing to efforts in capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Martin Fregene, Director of the Bank’s Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department, spotlighted ECCAP’s unique focus on sustainability, including afforestation efforts, the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and the introduction of clean cooking technologies.
The ECCAP project aligns with the AfDB’s broader strategy to support Nigeria’s development goals, with the Bank currently overseeing a portfolio of 50 operations totalling $4.6 billion, spanning various priority areas in the country.