The UK on Monday announced a £95m investment in climate-resilient agriculture in Nigeria.
“The Glasgow Climate Pact gave the world the tools to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees and build a safe and sustainable future. Now is the time for all countries to step up their action on climate change and bring about the tangible change needed,” said UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Mr. Cleverly announced the investment at the ongoing climate change summit (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
“The UK will continue to play a leading role in this mission. The funding we have announced will help countries facing the devastating impact of climate change to effectively adapt,” added Mr. Cleverly.
At least four million Nigerians, including two million women, are expected to benefit from this investment to increase productivity and adapt to the effects of climate change while reducing emissions.
Called Propcom+, it is set to help address key barriers to sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
“It will support the development of climate-resilient agricultural policies, actions and investments that provide nutrition, increase productivity, adapt and build resilience while reducing emissions and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems,” the UK said.
Propcom+ builds on the UK government’s investment in agriculture through the Propcom Mai-karfi program in Nigeria.
Commenting on the investment, UK Deputy High Commissioner Ben Llewellyn-Jones said: “Nigeria is extremely vulnerable to climate change and land degradation. Climate risks are increasing, decreasing productive capacity and contributing to worsening food insecurity. Farmers are on the front lines and rely heavily on seasonal rains, making them increasingly vulnerable to changing and unpredictable weather.
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“Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss is a key international priority for the UK and we remain committed to supporting climate-resilient and inclusive growth in Nigeria through the Propcom+ programme, which will build on the successes and lessons of the previous engagement. and it will deliver on adaptation and resilience, and on nature for climate and people.”
The £95 million is part of the UK’s investments of more than £100 million to help developing economies respond to climate-related disasters and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also expected to make a number of adaptation-related announcements at the conference, including that the UK will triple funding for adaptation programs from £500m in 2019 to £1,500m. million pounds sterling in 2025.
