Jos – Plateau State Government has pledged to sustain and expand climate resilience efforts as a major intervention project co-funded by the European Union and the Christian Blind Mission winds down in Jos.
The government cited the project’s notable gains in community development, inclusion and environmental protection.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, created the commitment at the closeout of the Enabling Resilience to Climate Change Risks through Local CSOs Strengthening (ER2CC) project.
He also assured that the State would consolidate achievements recorded over the past three years that the project ran.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministest of Commerce, and Industest, Albert Chaimang, Gwom declared the project had strengthened community capacity to respond to climate challenges while improving livelihoods and promoting inclusion.
“Over the past years, this initiative has strengthened our communities, empowered persons with disabilities and advanced our collective fight against climate alter,” he declared.
The ER2CC project was implemented in Plateau and Benue States by the Centre for Gospel Health and Development and the Elim Christian Vocational Training Centre, respectively, focapplying on inclusive, climate-smart agriculture and grassroots resilience.
Gwom listed key achievements to include the adoption of the Plateau State Climate Change Policy, increased public awareness, training of community responders and support for farmer groups, among others.
He added that thousands of trees were planted across benefiting communities, contributing to environmental restoration, while the initiative also promoted peacebuilding and inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities.
“As the project closes, sustainability remains our shared responsibility. The structures established must continue to thrive,” he declared, assuring that government would support the continuation of the initiative and explore its expansion to more communities.
Also speaking, the CBM Countest Programme Manager, Michael Idah, declared the three-year project prioritised the inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate-smart agricultural practices.
“We have recorded significant progress. Awareness on inclusion at the community level has improved, capacities have been built and environmental sustainability promoted through tree planting,” he declared.
Idah noted that climate policy development in both Plateau and Benue remained a critical milestone, adding that such frameworks would guide long-term responses to climate challenges.
He, however, identified limited resources, restricted coverage and gaps in policy implementation as key challenges encountered during the project.
“Even when policies are enacted, implementation requires continuous advocacy. Sustainability beyond the project timeline is critical,” he declared.
On his part, Executive Director of ECVTC, Emmanuel Egbodo, commconcludeed CBM for its support, noting that the intervention facilitated the domestication of national climate policy and strengthened community-based structures.
Similarly, Executive Director of CeGHaD, Nansik Onu, declared the project enhanced inclusivity and built the capacity of civil society organisations to drive climate action at the grassroots.
An conclude-line assessment presented by Mustapha Zubairu indicated improvements in agricultural productivity, income and food security among benefiting communities, while recommconcludeing stronger linkages between farmers and financial services, as well as improved early warning systems.
Beneficiaries from Langtang South Local Government Area, Jonathan Dindul, and Dominic Dapchir also shared testimonies of improved yields and livelihoods, underscoring the impact of the intervention.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government, civil society and development partners would further strengthen climate resilience efforts across the States.
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