How the ESIPO might help Nigeria handle its 3.7% deforestation rate

How the ESIPO might help Nigeria handle its 3.7% deforestation rate
Responding to the global crackdown on unsustainable agricultural practices, the Propcom+ initiative, supported by The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is set to transform Nigeria's landscape due to the alarming deforestation rate of 3.7%, primarily driven by unsustainable agricultural practices.


Scheduled to commence early in 2024, the program aims to uplift 4 million individuals from poverty, safeguard forests, and empower women entrepreneurs. Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Joshua Omokhodion, and Kevin Uwaibi, the Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), made these announcements during a recent high-profile workshop in Abuja.


Uwaibi highlighted the key priorities of the initiative, emphasizing Edo state's notable achievements in sustainable oil palm cultivation and forest preservation. 


The state has strategically identified three critical sectors for Propcom+ support: forests, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. 


Edo plans to utilize Propcom+ resources to fortify its valuable forests, empower smallholder farmers through climate-smart practices, and enhance market access. The initiative also aims to elevate women entrepreneurs in agribusiness for inclusive growth.


Edo's proactive approach aligns with Propcom+'s mission to reverse Nigeria's alarming deforestation rate and promote sustainable land use and climate-resilient agricultural methods. 


The initiative aims to unlock $210 million of financing from the African Development Bank Group for participating Nigerian states under the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones program.


Propcom+ extends its reach across an initial six states, targeting 4 million beneficiaries with a focus on women. Supported by a substantial £55 million commitment from the UK government, the program aspires to preserve and rejuvenate forests, enhance smallholder productivity, develop resilient agricultural systems, and empower women entrepreneurs.


The initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to address environmental and economic challenges. As Propcom+ prepares for implementation, collaboration and collective action from all stakeholders are crucial for the program's success, paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future for Nigeria.

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