In the face of a mounting climate crisis that is threatening the very foundation of food security, Bauchi State is stepping forward with courage, clarity, and commitment.
In July, the Bauchi State Government, in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and Oxfam in Nigeria, took a historic step: the validation and approval of a comprehensive new climate change policy. This policy is not just another government initiative, it’s a lifeline for the communities whose livelihoods are being shaken by the impacts of a changing climate.
In a passionate keynote address, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Hon. Danlami Kawule, laid bare the stark reality. Bauchi is witnessing an alarming trend: creeping desertification, erratic rainfall, and plummeting crop yields are jeopardizing the lives of farmers and families alike.
“Our green areas are disappearing, farmlands are drying up, and food production is becoming increasingly uncertain,” he stated. But rather than despair, Hon. Kawule framed this challenge as a call to action. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue,” he stressed. “It is a threat to our food supply and economic stability, and this policy will help us protect our people and their livelihoods.”
The message resonated deeply with stakeholders and development partners. Dr. Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, underscored the urgency of the moment. Communities across Bauchi, he noted, are already grappling with shrinking harvests, rising hunger, and growing vulnerability. But he also pointed to the promise of the new policy, which lays out a transformative vision for adaptive farming, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
Dr. Kenneth Akpan of Oxfam in Nigeria echoed that optimism with a powerful truth: “To end hunger, we must fight climate change.” His words captured the essence of the state’s approach, grounded in local realities but driven by global urgency.
Mr. Nasiru Umar, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry, emphasized that success will depend on inclusive action. Women and youth, who make up the bulk of the agricultural workforce, must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to adapt and lead. Their empowerment, he insisted, is not just desirable it is essential.
Receiving the delegation, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, Executive Governor of Bauchi State, expressed heartfelt gratitude to GIFSEP and Oxfam for their unwavering support. More importantly, he reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to implementing the policy, not just in principle, but in practice.
This moment marks more than the launch of a policy—it’s the beginning of a new era. Bauchi is rising to meet the climate challenge head-on, not with fear, but with foresight. Through bold leadership, collaboration, and community empowerment, the state is charting a path toward agricultural resilience, economic security, and a future where no one is left behind.