Katsina — The Women Environmental Programme (WEP) has officially launched the Strengthening Peace and Resilience through Climate-Smart Agriculture (SPAR) project in Katsina State.
At the inception meeting on Wednesday, WEP Coordinator Mrs. Damaris Uja said the project is being implemented in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and other development organisations, with operations in Benue and Katsina States led by Tetra Tech International Development.
Mrs. Uja explained that the SPAR project is part of the wider Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“The project is designed to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, conflict-sensitive resource management, and improved livelihoods for farmers and pastoralists,” she said.
According to Mrs. Uja, SPAR aims to strengthen food security, increase household income, and build climate resilience among farming and pastoral communities. By encouraging the adoption of modern, climate-smart techniques, the initiative seeks to boost productivity, reduce resource-based conflicts, and enhance community stability.
Key components of the project include:
- Two aquaponic farms equipped with modern technology, with participating farmers receiving extensive training in water-efficient agricultural practices.
- Two community-managed mini ranches to improve livestock production and promote sustainable rangeland management.
- Training for pastoralists in environmentally friendly practices to reduce pressure on land and foster peaceful coexistence.
Mrs. Uja added that the initiative is expected to benefit multiple communities, contributing to sustainable development, agricultural innovation, and long-term peacebuilding across northern Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the relevance and timeliness of the project, highlighting its potential to address food insecurity, climate change impacts, and farmer–herder tensions in the region. They pledged continued support for community structures and for ensuring the successful rollout of the project in Katsina State.