The role of civil society in promoting climate change best practices in rural communities in Nigeria 

By Nguher Ifan

 Climate change has had adverse effect on the community in Nigeria. It has affected the two seasons (dry and rainy season) and has made the weather highly un-predictive. The prediction of the affliction of climate change on life and property in the future is very scary. People’s dependence on climate sensitive natural resources is increasing daily.  Hands have been on deck to reduce the negative effect, reduce coping strategies and increase the use of adaptive practices in order to reduce the adverse effects of climate change and poverty.

This justifies the need for the involvement of civil society organizations who have great influence on the community. Civil society organizations refers to non-state actors made up of voluntary civic and social organizations and institutions like community groups, women organizations, faith-based organizations, professional and trade /business associations, trade unions, coalitions, NGOs and advocacy groups.

The Civil society is an integral part of the community and can have great influence on the communities. Civil societies can sensitize the communities and popularize environment best and friendly practices like surface water de-siltation, zero tillage, terrace farming, use of contour bonds to check flooding and erosion and reduce conflicts arising from competition for scarce resources.

They can also help to inculcate a concept and culture of proactive response to climate change issues in the context of cause-effect relationships and directly or indirectly bring about positive behavioral change of the communities in their interaction with the environment by discouraging deliberate felling of deforestation, firewood/charcoal making, logging and wood works.

 They can conduct conventional workshops/trainings/seminars for community enlightenment and increase awareness on topical climate change issues and adverse effects/consequences to the environment. CSOs can organize tours to affected sites, undertake community development projects and mainstream gender into climate change programmes in the communities. Civil society organizations are therefore necessary in reducing climate change vulnerabilities and poverty, increasing awareness of climate change impacts and adaptation practices in Nigerian communities.