By Samuel Atuluku
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA Resource Centre, has taken proactive measures to enhance community resilience in Lokoja and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas.
This is in response to the flood risks identified in the NIHSA 2024 Flood Outlook towards safeguarding vulnerable communities as they prepare for potential floods between September and November this year.
The team from HEDA Resource Centre led by Akinmayowa Shobo and Azeez Salawu, has equipped residents of Adankolo and Geregu with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their homes and farms against the imminent floods.
Speaking during the visits, the leaders said The measure was a component of a larger campaign, conducted in collaboration with OXFAM and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacities of communities grappling with the harsh impacts of climate change.
Akinmayowa Shobo and Azeez Salawu explained that through education and the provision of actionable strategies, HEDA aims to lessen the repercussions of the anticipated floods and foster enduring resilience.
HEDA calls on government agencies, and other key stakeholders to intensify their support for these vulnerable communities.
While at Adankolo in Lokoja and Geregu in Ajaokuta Local Government Areas, the team conducted a comprehensive training session aimed at equipping community members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage flood risks.
The capacity-building session specifically targeted smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed methods and traditional farming techniques.
In their reactions during the session, the community members expressed deep concern regarding their community’s vulnerability to floods, especially as being surrounded by water.
A survey conducted within the communities, according to the team leaders, revealed a lack of preparedness and emergency planning, with no community register in place to account for the population.
