By Blessing Enagu
The World Bank through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) has provided Cassava Processing Mill to 3 Pilot communities in Cross River State as part of livelihood initiatives of the Nigeria Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation ( REDD+) programme.
The Communities which are Esuk Mba in Akpabuyo, Agoi Ekpo in Yakurr and Buanchor in Boki Local Government Areas of the State, representing the Mangrove, Ekuri and Afi/Mbe pilot sites, have over the years, laid strong foundation in sustainable Forest Management and have supported as well as participated in the REDD+ Programme from inception.
Commissioning the Cassava Processing Mill in Esuk Mba community, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, the World Bank Task Team Leader, Dr. Fisseha Tessema maintained that the essence of the initiative was to encourage forests conservation as the project will reduce pressure on the forests which is not only benefitting the forests bearing Communities but also the global community.
The Team Lead added that the project was also to empower women for the future and equally serve as a learning platform for all stakeholders which will further engender subsequent initiatives in both Esuk Mba and other areas of the State.
While commending the community for their hospitality and conservation endeavor, Dr. Tessema charged them to judiciously and sustainably manage the mill.
The National REDD+ Coordinator, Dr. Moses Ama, explained that the project which gave consideration to women, will increase income, reduce manpower and boost productivity, adding that the Processing machines were locally fabricated using durable materials that can span for 50 years, with an additional component for starch extraction.
Dr. Ama, who thanked the Bank for the support, urged the community to demonstrate ownership of the Mill and also encouraged women to be actively involved in the management of the project because garri production is more of a woman’s business and if the project fails, the women would be more affected.
In the same vein, the Cross River State REDD+ Coordinator, Mrs. Bridget Nkor noted that the journey to the initiative began years ago when the Programme started in Cross River State as the Center of Excellence for REDD+ in Nigeria.
She inferred that the State Government, in its avowed commitment to managing one of the last remaining natural forests in the Country, embraced the programme in addition to its various forest management strategies as a contribution to global efforts in conserving biodiversity, emission reduction and climate change mitigation.
Mrs. Nkor appreciated the National Secretariat and World Bank for the livelihood support in the State, noting that there was a strong evidence in advancing the project from Cross River to the seven other REDD+ states. She appealed for more interventions from the National Secretariat, World Bank and other development partners.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Undiandeye, represented by the Director of Community Forestry, Dr. Ekpenyong Ita, congratulated the community and other stakeholders for the progress recorded. He harped on proper maintenance of the Mill and replication in the neighboring Communities.
In appreciation, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo, His Royal Majesty Etinyin Maurice Nya who was represented by His Highness Chief Joseph Duke, lauded the Programme for the Livelihood support to Esuk Mba and assured that the people are committed to the protection and management of the project.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the village head of Esuk Mba, His Highness Chief Effiom Edem Duke expressed gratitude for the honour and choice of his community as one of the beneficiaries of the project.
He intimated that Esuk Mba is the only community that is still practicing the ancient trade by barter trading, a system which had made them strategic in the state’s tourism drive.
He pledged their continuous commitment to the programme and sought for more assistance to the community in challenging areas like; reconstruction of the trade by barter market, provision of portable water, a Civic center for skills acquisition and construction of the link road between their market and the beach which is almost cut of by gully erosion, adding that, the road provides access for trading between fishermen, farmers and other traders.
The event also featured paper presentation on community- based livelihood interventions for Mangrove Conservation: The role of Community Based Organizations by the Executive Director, Integrated Mangrove Watch Association of Nigeria ( IMWAN), Rev. Anthony Essien as well as cultural display by the community dance troupe.
Also in attendance were, National REDD+ Secretariat, members of Cross River State REDD+ Secretariat and Coordinators of other REDD+ States.
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