Education for sustainable ecological development in Nigeria

Background information

Nigeria is rich in natural resources. However, these are often used in ways that are harmful to the environment and are unevenly distributed. The population in the north-east of the country is particularly disadvantaged, having received hardly any structural support from the state for decades. The region is also affected by climate change such as longer dry seasons and heavier rainfall, environmentally harmful use of natural resources such as the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and large-scale deforestation, as well as environmental pollution caused by waste and plastic. The effects of this include soil erosion, declining soil fertility and contaminated groundwater, which in turn jeopardizes the supply of food to the population that is largely dependent on agriculture. Together with its partner organizations and churches, Mission 21 is tackling this problem 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.
• Environmental pollution has been 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 farming families from rural areas in north-eastern Nigeria as well as the wider population of the region.

Activities

• Training of multipliers in the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental problems by our partner organizations
• Establishment of nurseries, which serve for training purposes and as resources to implement planting measures that counteract the deterioration of environmental conditions.
• Smallholder farmers undergo training in sustainable agricultural practices, with support in their implementation.
• Planting seedlings that benefit farming families.
• 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 key role in improving the economic living conditions of the rural population in north-eastern Nigeria. Less logging and reforestation reduce soil erosion in the affected areas, which in turn has a positive impact on the fertility of the soil and ultimately also on agricultural cultivation. In this context, the local population was able to complete training in reforestation, environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable agricultural practices in 2023. Some graduates of the training courses now act as volunteers and also pass on the knowledge they have learned to the community.

Support our 2024 campaign "Learn from each other, live sustainably" and raise awareness in your community about environmental sustainability in the Global South and in Switzerland with various hands-on activities. More information: www.mission-21.org/campaign