From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Participants at a Two-Day Technical Session On Developing a Community Engagement Framework on Climate Change Related Shock Responsive Social Protection have expressed dismay over the increasing impacts of climate change and acknowledged the urgent rise in multidimensional poverty and vulnerability in Kaduna State.
This was contained in a Communique issued after the Two-day engagement held in Zaria.
The Participants also expressed concern that children, women, youths, persons with disabilities, and the elderly are the most affected by climate change and should benefit from timely shock-responsive social protection interventions.
The Communique was signed by Habiba Suleiman OpenGov Youth Innovation Hub, Stephen Waya Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED)Lydia Sale Centre for Water and Environmental Development (CWED) Prof. Abdulhamid Abdullahi International Association for Community Development (IACD) and Sumayya Abdullahi Hussaini, Citizens Co-chair, TWG on Strengthening Social Protection Systems, SAP 3 OGP Kaduna
The participants highlighted the social contract by the State government towards nurturing citizens’ engagement and discussed budget spending on citizens, stakeholders, and community engagement as of the third quarter of 2024.
“Climate change issues in the areas of health, education, agriculture, environment, social protection, infrastructure, water, economy, and governance were identified and mapped.
“Advocated for the replication of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment to broadly capture Kaduna State specific context.
” The need to ensure alignment of the community engagement framework with social protection and climate change-related laws, policies, implementation plans, and budgets was emphasized.
“The framework’s strategic direction was developed, emphasizing its overarching goal, specific objectives, and guiding principles to ensure a cohesive and actionable approach.
” A commitment was demonstrated to engage with local leaders, elders, and stakeholders to incorporate traditional knowledge and practices into effective climate adaptation strategies.
“There was a commitment to raising awareness about climate change impacts and the importance of shock-responsive social protection.
” Committed to engaging community members in participatory vulnerability assessments.
” A dedication to supporting community-led initiatives that diversify livelihoods to reduce dependency on climate-sensitive sectors was expressed. ”
The participants also came out with resolutions to finalize the second draft of the framework, engage with communities to provide further feedback and inputs and Facilitate a collaborative session with key stakeholders for validation of the final community engagement framework.
They also agreed to Widely disseminate the framework and raise awareness to ensure broad understanding and adoption among stakeholders and communities in Kaduna State.
