Grace Oluchi

Building Resilience: 6 Simple Climate Solutions for Big Impact in Nigeria

Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential, faces a significant challenge: climate change. In 2023, Nigeria recorded a decline in rainfall to about 1061 millimetres (mm) compared to 2022, which was about 1137.078 millimetres (mm). These erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels of 0.5 meters could force 27-53 million Nigerians who live along the coast to relocate by the end of the century. These factors are driving adverse climate effects that are already being felt. 

But amidst these challenges lie opportunities. Here, we explore six simple yet impactful climate solutions that Nigerian communities can adopt to build resilience and secure a sustainable future.

1. Embrace Climate-Smart Agriculture: Nigeria is a developing economy with 2022 statistics of an estimated population of 88.4 million people who live in extreme poverty. Agriculture can solve the poverty experienced by the majority in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, investing in the agricultural sector is more effective at raising incomes among the world’s poorest. Still, traditional farming methods in Nigeria are often vulnerable to droughts and floods. 

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers a solution. CSA is a set of farming methods to increase the resilience and productivity of the land affected by climate change. Practices like using drought-resistant crop varieties, practising water-saving irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, and incorporating cover crops to improve soil health all contribute to a more resilient agricultural system. By adopting CSA techniques, Nigerian farmers can protect their livelihoods and become part of the climate solution. It is important to note that Climate Smart Agriculture is a solution to the many problems caused by climate shocks but not a final solution to climate change.

2. Plant Trees, Reap the Rewards: The United Nations places Nigeria with the highest deforestation rate in the world, with an estimated 3.7% of its forest lost every year. Expanding agriculture and logging, both illegal and legal, are some causes of deforestation in Nigeria. Still, it is imperative to understand that forests play a vital role in regulating climate.

Interestingly, in 2023, some of the States in Nigeria were involved in tree-planting initiatives. There is still a lot that needs to be done. Nigeria could take a cue from Ethiopia, which accomplished an exceptional feat in 2019 when they planted 350 million trees within 12 hours. Large-scale tree-planting initiatives can create green corridors, improve air quality, and mitigate the effects of floods and droughts.  Planting trees also provides economic benefits. Programs that encourage community involvement in tree planting, with benefits like carbon credits or fruit production, can create a sense of ownership and ensure the long-term success of these initiatives.

3. Harness the Power of Nature: Harnessing solar energy technologies for generating electricity as an option for fossil fuel energy usage in Nigeria could prove to be a huge solution to climate change problems. The solar radiation potential in the northern and southern regions in Nigeria is given as 5.62 up to 7.01 and 3.54 up to 5.43 kWhm-2 respectively. Nigeria boasts abundant sunshine and investing in solar energy solutions like rooftop panels or community solar farms can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

Solar power is not just environmentally friendly; it’s also reliable and cost-effective in the long run.  Government incentives and microloans can make solar technology more accessible, empowering individual households and businesses to become energy independent. Practical solutions are needed to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. A notable example is the “Nigeria Police Green Initiative” that was announced last year.

4. Waste Not, Want Not:  The challenge of having sanitary landfills in Nigeria is still a huge conversation when it comes to creating solutions for climate change problems. Most States in Nigeria still operate open dumping. Organic waste, when left to decompose in landfills, releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.  Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste transforms this waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, perfect for boosting soil health in gardens and farms.  This simple practice reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, promotes a circular economy, and mitigates climate change.

Landfills can also be areas that can be transformed into thriving green spaces that would be fit for the whole surrounding community to enjoy. Some examples are the Mucking Marshes Landfill in England that was transformed to Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia, USA, Qiaoyuan Park in China and Chambers Gully in Australia. 

5. Embrace Sustainable Water Management:   Nigeria faces growing water scarcity. Inadequate access to water contributes to the water and sanitation crisis in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, approximately 70 million Nigerians do not have access to safe drinking water and 144 million do not have access to basic sanitation facilities.  One solution to the water crisis that affects climate change in Nigeria is to adopt sustainable water management.

Rainwater harvesting systems can capture and store precious rainwater for later use. This captured water can be used for irrigation, washing, or even drinking after proper treatment.  Promoting water-saving practices like fixing leaky faucets and taking shorter showers can further reduce pressure on freshwater resources.

6. Empowering Communities, Building Together:  The success of climate solutions hinges on community engagement.  Investing in education and awareness programs empowers communities to understand the threat of climate change and take ownership of solutions.  Supporting local NGOs and community leaders who are spearheading climate action initiatives is crucial.

These six solutions are just a starting point.  By adopting these practices and fostering a spirit of innovation, Nigerian communities can build resilience, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.  The journey towards a climate-resilient Nigeria requires collaboration between government, businesses, and communities.  With collective action and a commitment to these simple yet impactful solutions, Nigeria can not only weather the storm of climate change but emerge stronger and more sustainable than ever before.

The Tightrope Walk of Policy Making in Africa: Balancing Budgets and Ambitions

Navigating the complex terrain of policymaking in Africa can often feel like a high-wire act performed without a safety net. With budgets as tight as a drum and sky-high stakes, crafting effective policies that can foster governance, drive social inclusion, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty is no small feat. But how costly is this endeavour, and what happens when the financial well runs dry?

The Price Tag of Policy Making

At first glance, the economics of policymaking might seem like a topic best left to the number crunchers and policy workers. Yet, it’s a subject that touches every facet of daily life, from the water we drink to the roads we travel on. Policy and politics is in everything we do as people. Studies by the Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development (PSPPD) and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) peel back the curtain on these costs, revealing a landscape where policy creation isn’t just an academic exercise but also a substantial financial undertaking.

In South Africa, for example, the PSPPD estimated that policymaking costs hover around 0.5% of GDP (approx 2 billion US dollars), a figure that speaks to the significant investment required to not only draft policies but to ensure they are informed, implementable, and impactful. Across 16 African countries, the ACBF found the average cost to be around 1.6% of GDP, with a range stretching from 0.7% in Botswana to a whopping 3.2% in Rwanda. These numbers underscore a reality where the financial resources allocated to policy development are both a reflection of and a constraint on a country’s developmental ambitions.

When Budgets Bite

The journey from policy conception to implementation is fraught with fiscal potholes. Consider the visionary policymaker, armed with data, enthusiasm, and a plan to revolutionize public health, education, or infrastructure. Yet, without the necessary financial backing, these plans risk remaining lofty ideals rather than transformative realities. The ACBF’s findings highlight a critical tension: the need for robust policymaking and the fiscal realities that can stifle innovation and progress.

The Cost of Crafting Effective Policies

So, what goes into the making of an effective policy document? It’s not unlike assembling a gourmet meal. You require quality ingredients (evidence and stakeholder insights), a skilled chef (policy analysts and designers), and the right kitchen equipment (institutional frameworks and implementation tools). And just like in cooking, quality comes at a cost. From stakeholder consultations to data analysis, and from drafting to monitoring and evaluation, each step requires resources. Yet, skimping on these essentials can result in policies that are undercooked or lack the necessary flavour to appeal to their intended beneficiaries.

Making Every Penny Count

In a landscape marked by limited financial resources, efficiency becomes the watchword. How can African nations navigate these fiscal constraints without compromising on the quality and effectiveness of their policies? The answer lies in innovation and strategic investment. Embracing digital tools for data management and analysis, leveraging partnerships for capacity building, and fostering a culture of evidence-based policymaking can stretch limited budgets further.

Moreover, viewing policymaking as an investment rather than a cost could shift the narrative. It’s about laying the groundwork for sustainable development, where the dividends pay off in the form of social welfare, economic prosperity, and inclusive governance. The challenge, then, is not just to manage the costs of policymaking but to maximize the returns on these investments.

The tightrope walk of policymaking in Africa, against a backdrop of budget constraints, is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and ingenuity of some of its policymakers. By navigating the fiscal challenges with an eye towards efficiency, innovation, and strategic investment, African nations can continue to craft policies that not only meet the immediate needs of their populations but also lay the foundations for long-term growth and development. In the end, the cost of policymaking, while significant, pales in comparison to the cost of inaction.

Silencing Women: From Ancient Witch Hunts to Modern Bullying and Envy

I dedicate this article to my sister and friend Nneka, I am grateful to know you and that you exist in this era.😍❤😍❤

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There is a story of a woman who always removed the legs and wings of the chicken before cooking, despite her husband enjoying them. When asked why, she explained that her mother had always prepared chicken that way. When her husband asked her mother, she gave the same response, attributing the practice to something she always saw her mother do. The man then asked his wife’s grandmother; she explained it was because she had only small pots and wanted to prioritize the parts of the chicken her husband liked. 

There lay the problem; this unconscious bequeathing of a cooking tradition had shaped two generations of women. The lesson learned is that without historical context, we may carry on with traditions and cultures that no longer serve us.

As a child, I was bold, confident, and unafraid to speak up for myself and others. However, one incident in which I confronted a predator who had touched me inappropriately led to a series of criticisms from older people who told me to be quieter and more ladylike. This and many other similar factors caused me to lose confidence and become anxious about speaking up.

Reflecting on why women have been silenced in public spaces for generations, I remember learning through conversations with friends that in pre-colonial and colonial eras, women were often persecuted and killed for practising witchcraft, even if they were simply sharing controversial ideas. As a result, mothers began to silence their daughters in an effort to protect them from these accusations. 

This discovery piqued my interest and led me to research this claim, to help me better understand why this happens and within what historical and cultural context it was allowed. 

The Persecution of Witchcraft

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The history of witchcraft accusations and persecution in Africa is complex and diverse, making it challenging to provide a definitive timeline or evidence. Accusations of witchcraft have been used in various African societies to control women who do not conform to traditional gender roles or threaten established social norms. These accusations are often based on superstition, rumours, or hearsay, rather than concrete evidence. 

My research suggests that while this practice dates back to precolonial Africa, it became more widespread during the colonial era when European missionaries and colonizers condemned local spiritual practices as “primitive” or “savage.” This resulted in an increase in witch hunts, with many women being accused of practising witchcraft and subjected to torture, imprisonment, and execution.

Interestingly, the persecution of witches is a global phenomenon, with examples found in both Europe and Africa. In Europe, the peak of witch-hunting occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of people, predominantly women. 

One of the most infamous examples is the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, which took place in the late 17th century. The Malleus Maleficarum, a medieval treatise on witchcraft, played a significant role in legitimizing the persecution of women in Europe during this period. 

While no accurate estimates have been gathered, it is suggested that between 75% and 85% of those accused and executed were women ( Brian Levack’s “The Witch Hunt in Early Modern Europe,” 1987). 

Although the Malleus Maleficarum and the Salem Witch Trials did not directly involve witchcraft accusations in Africa, they demonstrate how witch-hunting was a global phenomenon, and how religious and cultural beliefs have been used to justify violence against women. 

Despite the fact that witch-hunting has decreased in many parts of the world, there are still reports of witchcraft accusations in some African communities. These accusations are more prevalent in areas where poverty, conflict, and social instability exist. 

Nigeria, for example, has seen high-profile cases of witchcraft accusations against children, leading to their abuse, abandonment, and even murder. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the government has launched a campaign against witchcraft that has resulted in the arrest and detention of hundreds of people accused of practising witchcraft. 

Overall, the history of witchcraft accusations and persecution in Africa is multifaceted and complex, but it is clear that women have been the primary targets, often being demonized and controlled to maintain the existing social order.

The Suppression of Women’s Abilities and Intelligence and Accusations of Witchcraft

It is worth noting that in certain cultural, historical, and social contexts in Africa, men were also targeted as witches, although women made up the majority of those persecuted due to the prevailing societal beliefs about gender roles. 

For instance, in the late 19th century, in Uganda, there was a case of a man named Isaza, who was accused of using witchcraft to cause the death of a local chief. Isaza was put on trial and sentenced to death, although the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. In some parts of Tanzania, men have also been accused of witchcraft and subjected to violent attacks. 

While in this example there is a case of death, for most women, things like miscarriages, infertility, disability, beauty, and even age can all be attributed to witchcraft thereby leading to persecution and sometimes murder. 

Moving on we find a strong connection between the suppression of women’s abilities and intelligence and the historical persecution of women as witches. The belief that women were inherently weaker and more susceptible to temptation and evil influences was a key factor in the widespread persecution of women accused of witchcraft throughout history. 

In many societies, women were denied access to education, political power, and economic opportunities, which left them vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft if they displayed any signs of intelligence or independence. Women who demonstrated knowledge of herbal remedies, for example, were often accused of using their knowledge for evil purposes, such as creating love potions or casting spells. 

Similarly, women who defied gender norms by being too outspoken or sexually active, were typically targeted as witches, as their behaviour was seen as threatening to the established social order. The persecution of women as witches was thus a way for patriarchal societies to maintain control over women’s behaviour and suppress their agency and independence.

We find evidence of this in Isawa Elaigwu’s “Witchcraft and Sorcery in African Traditional Religion,” (2016) which highlights how women’s sexuality, fertility, and age were all used as evidence to persecute them for witchcraft. 

Historian Anne Llewellyn Barstow in her book “Witchcraze: A New History of European Witch Hunts” (1994) argued that the witch hunts of early modern Europe were part of a larger effort to control and suppress women’s agency and independence. More recent research has also highlighted the connection between witchcraft accusations and broader social and economic inequalities. 

For example, a study of witchcraft accusations in contemporary Ghana found that women who were economically independent and had higher levels of education were less likely to be accused of witchcraft (Jemima A. Anderson and Melissa Fisher’s “Gender, Witchcraft, and Accusations in Ghana,” 2016). 

The Silencing of Women as Protection

Based on the evidence available, there may be a connection between the silencing of women in African societies and the witch hunts that took place. 

Some scholars suggest that women may have used strategies such as asking their daughters to keep their intelligence or abilities hidden in public to protect them from harm or discrimination. This could have been motivated by the belief that women were responsible for protecting their children from harm and ensuring their success in life, as they were seen as the primary caretakers and educators of children. 

In some societies, women’s intelligence and abilities were viewed as sacred or powerful, and therefore needed to be kept hidden or protected from the outside world. For instance, in some traditional African religions, women were believed to have special spiritual powers and were seen as the guardians of ancestral wisdom and knowledge. As a result, protecting women’s abilities and knowledge from those who might misuse it could have been considered important. 

However, it is significant to acknowledge that these practices and beliefs varied across different cultures and historical periods, and therefore should be approached with a nuanced and culturally-sensitive perspective.

The Persecution of Modern Witches

The evidence presented suggests that the historical silencing of women in African societies may have originated from a time when women were punished for their intelligence and abilities. However, in the modern world where women are celebrated for their talents and skills, this cultural practice should no longer be acceptable. 

Alas, women continue to face persecution for challenging traditional beliefs and pursuing their desired paths. Women who speak out against abusive power or showcase their exceptional qualities are often subjected to bullying, envy, evil schemes, shaming, and forced into silence, sometimes even by other women.

So, to all my exceptional, brilliant, bold, and unapologetic women, hold your heads up high and exist in your so-called defiance. Live your truth and disrupt all that needs to be disrupted. After all, there may have been a “witch or two in their lineage :).”  

Let’s toast 🥂🍻 to living wholly, intentionally, and unapologetically.