This project focused on training women in the production of compost to encourage adaptation to climate change. Women at any level of income can easily produce compost, which provides an alternative source of income and replaces expensive chemical fertilizers that also strain soils.
Fast facts:
The problem
Climate change has had devastating impacts on agriculture, especially in developing countries. This is also the case in Nigeria, where flooding, desertification, and irregular weather patterns have negatively affected agricultural production. Adikpo and Tsar communities in Benue State used to be known for their bountiful harvest. But over the years, there has been a steady decline in crop returns, due in part to declining soil fertility. This is also threatening food security. These negative impacts especially affect women and children.
The solution
This project trained women on compost production so as to restore soil fertility. Economic tree seedlings were also distributed to the women to plant, to mitigate the impact of climate change as well provide alternative options for livelihood. The target group was also trained on how to farm poultry, swine, snail, and fish. Women in the communities have successfully adopted many of these practices, particularly the production and use of compost on their farms.
Helping the planet
Compost enhances soil fertility and does not drain the soils like chemical fertilizer. Planted trees will help prevent erosion and improve soil structure. The trees will also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus addressing climate change.
Helping people
Enhanced livelihoods, including both short- and long-term increases in cash streams, has improved the target communities’ access to social services like education and health. Involving the women in climate change mitigation and adaptation actions has also built their capacity and increased their resilience.
Spillover effect
The project has already expanded up beyond the target communities, as the primary beneficiaries in turn stepped down the training they acquired to other women, both within and outside of their own communities. Composting has become a lucrative business in the region, as women produce, package, and sell to farmers in the surrounding communities and at markets. What made this scalable was how compost effectively tapped latent demand by supplying a cheaper replacement for chemical fertilizers. Reliability, cost effectiveness and ease of production has enhanced the ability of this activity to expand. The project could be reproduced across Nigeria.
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