Education for sustainable ecological development in Nigeria

Background information

Nigeria is rich in natural resources. However, these are often not used sustainably and are unevenly distributed. The population in the northeast of the country, whose development has been neglected by the state for decades, is particularly disadvantaged. The region is also affected by climate changes such as longer dry seasons and heavier rainfall, and unsustainable use of natural resources. These include, for example, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and large-scale deforestation, as well as pollution from waste and plastics. The effects of this include soil erosion, declining soil fertility and contaminated groundwater, which in turn jeopardizes the supply of food for the population, which is largely dependent on agriculture. Together with its partners, Mission 21 is addressing these issues and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Project goals

• The livelihood of the rural population in northeastern Nigeria is secured through a sustainable approach:
• The target population knows and uses sustainable agricultural practices.
•  The target population practices an environmentally friendly and resource-conserving lifestyle.
•  Pollution of the environment is reduced in the project region through targeted measures.
• Regional deforestation is countered by planting young trees and using resource-efficient cooking stoves or charcoal made from waste.

Target group

The target group includes smallholder farmers and their families from rural areas in northeastern Nigeria, as well as the wider population of the region.

Activities

• Training of multipliers in the field of sustainable use of natural resources.
• Establishment of nurseries, which serve for training purposes and as resources to implement planting measures that counteract the deterioration of environmental conditions.
• Train smallholder farmers in sustainable farming practices at the annual Farmer's Field Day and guide their implementation.
• Planting seedlings that benefit local farmers.
• Trainings in the production of resource-saving cooking stoves.
• Trainings for the utilization of biological waste production through the production of charcoal, which can be used as a substitute for firewood.
• Production of reusable shopping bags to address the plastic problem in the region.
• Installation and emptying of waste garbage cans at strategic locations to raise awareness of correct waste disposal.
• Campaigns to promote public environmental awareness, sustainable use of natural resources, environmental protection and eco-friendly solutions in agriculture.

Project progress

The sustainable use of natural resources plays a central role in improving the economic living conditions of the rural population in northeastern Nigeria. Less logging and reforestation reduce soil erosion in the affected areas, which in turn has a positive impact on soil fertility and ultimately on agricultural cultivation. In this context, 2021 trained the local population in reforestation, environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable agricultural practices.

Support our 2023 campaign "Education decides what we harvest in the future" and sensitize your environment on the topic of ecological sustainability in Nigeria and Switzerland with various participatory actions. More information: www.mission-21.org/campaign