By Abbas Bamalli, Katsina
An NGO, Women Environmental Programme (WEP), has officially launched the strengthening of peace and resilience through the Climate-Smart Agriculture (SPAR) project in Katsina State.
At the inception meeting in Katsina on Wednesday, the WEP Coordinator, Mrs Damaris Uja, said the project is in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria and other development organisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the project is being implemented in Benue and Katsina States, by Tetra Tech International Development .
Uja said that the meeting marked a major step in advancing climate-smart agriculture and peacebuilding initiatives across vulnerable communities in northern Nigeria.
“SPAR forms a component of the wider Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“The project is designed to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, conflict-sensitive resource management, and improved livelihoods for farmers and pastoralists,” she said.
According to her, SPAR aims to strengthen food security, raise household income, and build climate resilience among farming and pastoral communities.
She added that by supporting the adoption of modern, climate-smart techniques, the initiative sought to boost productivity, reduce resource-based conflicts, and enhance community stability.
“Two aquaponic farms will be created and fully equipped, with participating farmers receiving extensive training in innovative, water-efficient agricultural practices that increase crop yields.
“The project will also support the establishment of two community-managed mini ranches to improve livestock production and promote sustainable rangeland management.
“Pastoralists will be trained in environmentally friendly practices that help reduce pressure on land and foster peaceful coexistence,” she revealed.
According to her, SPAR is expected to benefit multiple communities, contributing to sustainable development, agricultural innovation, and long-term peacebuilding across Nigeria’s Northcentral and Northwest regions.
The stakeholders commended the relevance and timeliness of the project, noting its potential to address persistent challenges such as food insecurity, climate change impacts, and farmer–herder tensions in the region.
They further pledged continued support for community structures and for ensuring the project’s successful rollout in the state.
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