Nigeria Farmers Ditch Bush Burning, Pledge to Plant 1000s of Trees as Crops Wilt

In Akwa Ibom state, farmers at a World Environment Day event in Etinan agreed to use "nature-based solutions"—methods that work with natural ecosystems—to protect their farms. These include planting trees to restore soil and using natural pest control instead of chemicals [167645]. Climate change is causing irregular rainfall and hotter weather, which damages crops and reduces harvests. Event organizers said local farmers must act now to secure their food supply [167645]. “We cannot ignore what is happening to our land,” one participant said. “Bush burning destroys the soil. We must change our methods” [167645]. The pledge marks a shift toward sustainable farming in a region where agriculture is the main source of income for most families [167645].

Meanwhile, in Edo state, prominent environmental activist Nnimmo Bassey urged the government to protect its forests and stop environmental damage, calling for a faster shift to clean energy as climate change threats grow [167643]. Speaking at Igbinedion University in Okada, Bassey warned that deforestation and pollution are making the region more vulnerable to climate shocks [167643]. "Saving the forests is not optional," he said. "It is essential for the state’s future" [167643]. He also stressed the need to adopt renewable energy sources like solar and wind power [167643]. The event highlighted the link between local actions and global climate goals [167643]. Edo State officials have not yet responded to the activist’s call [167643].