Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme - Niger Delta

In the nine Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, poverty is severe and widespread despite the area’s wealth of natural resources. Poverty is especially prevalent among small-scale farmers cultivating food crops and among fishing communities using only rudimentary equipment. These groups lack food security and are highly vulnerable to environmental shocks.

The programme has made a community development fund available to support community initiatives in sustainable livelihood improvement, natural resource management and the provision of small-scale community infrastructure. The goal of the programme is to improve the standards of living and quality of life of poor rural people in the Niger Delta, with a special focus on women and young people. A major concern is to reduce current tensions and conflict by improving employment opportunities for young people and channelling their energies into the development of sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management activities. The programme encourages these groups to participate actively in development activities. It also builds capacity at different levels of government institutions to meet the development needs of the groups, and consolidates partnerships among donors, NGOs and other agencies.
 

Source: IFAD