In the face of environmental degradation caused by coal mining, communities in Nigeria are rising to the challenge by embracing sustainable practices that not only restore their ecosystems but also secure their livelihoods. In a significant step toward enhancing food security and building long-term resilience, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), with support from Global Greengrants Fund and 350 Africa, has empowered farmers in Awokpali (Ankpa LGA, Kogi State) and Owukpa (Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State) with hands-on training in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Renewable Energy.

These communities, heavily impacted by coal mining activities that have degraded their soils and ecosystems, are now finding pathways to recovery through innovation and collective action. The training, which engaged 50 women farmers in Awokpali and 120 women farmers in Owukpa, was designed to promote sustainable farming techniques that can thrive despite poor soil quality and limited land availability.

Participants were introduced to the principles and practices of climate-smart farming, focusing on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and building food systems that are resilient to both environmental and economic shocks. Using simple but effective methods such as planting in sacks and containers with topsoil, producing compost manure, and making organic pesticides the farmers learned how to cultivate crops in environmentally friendly ways right from their homes.

The participants were trained on sack farming, composting, and sowing crops like maize, beans, sweet potatoes, okra, tomatoes, and peppers. They were guided on seed spacing, depth, and nursery management for crops requiring transplanting. These techniques not only reduce dependency on chemically treated land but also provide a reliable food source amidst the ecological toll of coal mining operations.

Through these efforts, communities are not just adapting, they are transforming. What was once degraded land is now becoming a source of nourishment and renewal. Farmers are beginning to see the potential of these practices and are telling stories of change, resilience, and hope. The initiative has sparked a movement of learning and innovation, with residents eager to apply their new knowledge to rebuild both their environment and economy.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Global Greengrants Fund, 350 Africa, and GIFSEP for catalyzing this important work. Their support is enabling coal impacted communities to reclaim their future one sack, one seed, and one solution at a time.