UK invests £95m in climate change schemes backing up Propcom+ agric
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A £95 million Propcom+ investment has been made by the United Kingdom to benefit four million Nigerians, including two million women, to raise productivity and adapt to climate change effects, and reduce emissions.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt that Propcom+ builds on UK investment in agriculture through the Propcom Mai-karfi scheme in Nigeria.
The new fund will help tackle barriers to agricultural development, support climate-resilient agricultural policies, actions, deliver nutrition, lift productivity, adapt and build resilience, reduce emissions, and protect and restore natural ecosystems.
The Propcom+ will also:
Support inclusive and resilient growth by promoting progressive transformation of Nigeria’s rural economy.
Build the capacity of small-scale farmers and rural communities in climate smart agriculture.
Work with private sector agriculture to increase productivity, improve nutrition and food security, enhance climate resilience, pursue lower emissions and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and tackle underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity.
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Delivering tangible change
“The Glasgow Climate Pact gave the world the tools to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and build a secure and sustainable future,” Cleverly said, per reporting by The Guardian.
“Now is the time for all countries to step up their action on climate change and deliver the tangible change needed. The UK will continue to play a leading role in this mission.
“The funding we have announced will support countries which are facing the devastating impact of climate change, to adapt effectively.”
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Ben Llewellyn-Jones sees the country as extremely vulnerable to climate change and land degradation.
“Climate risks are increasing, diminishing productive capacity, and contributing to worsening food insecurity,” he stressed.
“Farmers are on the front line and highly dependent on seasonal rainfall making them increasingly vulnerable to the changing and unpredictable climate.
“Tackling climate change and biodiversity loss is a key UK international priority and we remain committed to supporting inclusive and climate resilient growth in Nigeria through the Propcom+ programme which will build on the successes and lessons from previous engagement and deliver on adaptation and resilience, and on nature for climate and people.”