Information Leaflet on Voters Registration Exercise in Lagos State.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is in West Africa between Latitudes 4° to 14° North and between Longitudes 2°2` and 14° 30` East. To the north, the country is bounded by the Niger Republic and Chad; in the west by the Benin Republic, in the East by Cameroon Republic and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean. Environment of Nigeria (FMEN, 2011) 1993 estimate of irrigated land is 9 570km² and arable land about 35%; 15% pasture; 10% forest reserve; 10% for settlements and the remaining 30% considered uncultivable for one reason or the other. Nigeria is a country with diverse agro-ecological zones, seasons, crops and farming systems. For a majority of people in Nigeria, to this day, agriculture is the main source of livelihood and contributing over 40% of the country`s total GDP. Agriculture is one of the sectors most vulnerable to global climate change impact; the impact is even stronger in Nigeria as it is inherently sensitive to climate variability and climate Change is already impacting on Nigerian Agriculture in various direct and indirect ways. This obviously means an impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, where agriculture is truly essential for the daily subsistence, and where adaptive capacity is low. IPCC (2007) indicated that smallholder and subsistent farmers will suffer complex, localized impacts of climate change. Climate change is already manifesting itself in many ways across the country. Among the indicators, is the 150 percent above normal rainfall that lashed the country in 2012 leaving many homeless, destroying and sacking farm lands? Uncertainties in the onset of the farming season, due to changes in rainfall characteristics; Extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, heavy winds, and floods, devastate farmlands and can lead to crop failure; Insecurity – conflict between farmers and pastoralist and parts of the country that experienced soil erosion and operate rain-fed agriculture could have decline in agricultural yield of up to 50 % between 2000 – 2020 due to increasing impact of climate change (Agoumi, 2003; IPCC, 2007). While climate change affects Nigerian farming and farmers` livelihoods adversely, the converse is also true- Nigerian agriculture, even if not in the same degree as the developed world`s agriculture, does contribute to climate change, Farming activities – bush burning, over grazing, fertilizer application etc. Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions are part of the reality of climate change even as temperature rise and changes in rainfall, changes in pest and disease incidence etc., will also be the stark reality for farmers. What the situation then requires are RESILIENT AND ADAPTIVE FARMING SYSTEMS with the least amount of loss to the productive resources, production and the farmer. One of the most important requirements for adaptation would be farmers` knowledge, in negotiating complex agro-systems. Several large organic farming projects across the world have built successful institutional models for systematic support for farmers` knowledge, innovation and constant enhancement. This forms a key part of the adaptation potential for sustainable agriculture. To address extreme weather conditions, organic farms will be better suited. The better drainage and water holding capacity of organic soils reduces the risk of drought and soil erosion. For instance, Organic farming practices are in a good position to maintain productivity in the event of drought, irregular rainfall events and rising temperatures, notes a technical paper from International Trade Center (WTO) and FiBL. This paper notes that soils under organic management retain significantly more rainwater, thanks to the “sponge properties” of organic matter. Water percolation is 15-20% more in organic systems. Water capture in organic plots was twice as high as conventional plots during torrential rains, which in turn reduces the risk of floods. The most important component of organic systems – diversity- contributes a lot to the resilience of organic farms. Enhanced biodiversity of organic farms have several positive implications- pest prevention, and similar effects on diseases, better utilization of soil nutrients and water etc. organic farming is also associated with decreased irrigation needs by about 30-50%. This becomes an important part of adaptation in drought conditions. Given the mitigation and adaptation potential of organic systems, as well as the potential to increase food security, it becomes imperative to shift agriculture in Nigeria towards more ecological farming models which are sustainable. Further, sustainable agriculture holds great potential for meeting global and national food security requirements even as it leads to improvement of farmers` livelihoods through enhancing their net incomes and improving the productivity of their resources in the long run. KAZEEM AISHA TITILOLA

FOR A GREEN LAND WE MUST BE GREEN

“History teaches us that one of the most effective ways to pull people and entire Nations out of poverty is to invest in their Agriculture”. -Barack Obama. Human Environmental and Development Agenda (HEDA Resource centre) is one of the reputable non- governmental organisations in the field of sustaining the environment in Lagos, Nigeria organised a 4-day program for young people from 8th-11th October, 2012 tagged “Promoting Youth-centred activities in raising awareness and mobilising public support for Food Security and Livelihoods Protection” as part of their commitment to ending hunger, advancing food security while protecting the livelihoods of small scale farmers. The program, which encourages young people to advocate for small scale farmers and inspire them to embracing agriculture; understand the nitty- gritty of food production and distribution and use of social media as a tool for advocacy. Participating in the program helped improve my understanding of the issues plaguing small-scale farmers and use of social media as a tool for advancing my work objectives, it helped to deepen my knowledge of and interest in Agriculture. It also served as an eye opener that Nigerians are majorly fed by SSF and kept as safe as the ancient monks from the perils of the world`s hunger, homelessness and starvation and; made us realize that as young people, we can be the swords of change by giving voice to the voiceless-the small scale farmers. Amazingly, despite my being a graduate of agriculture, I never knew that cassava has seeds. Not only was I stunned seeing cassava seeds, I also couldn’t resist the urge of picking some as take away. Another profound experience I had during the program, one that left an indelible mark on me and makes me to question the decision of the federal government in purchasing and distributing 10 million mobile phones to farmers in Nigeria was the interaction I had with farmers at Oke-Osun narrating their ordeals. I had a one-on one- interaction with a woman farmer in Ilesa, Osun State. These people are faced with numerous challenges ranging from lack of access to basic services- such as information, land, water, extension services; lack of voice; fertilizers; low income etc yet, they strive to bring food to millions of Nigerian households using their available resources but still wallow in poverty. A vegetable farmer on her leased plot in Ilesa, Osun State. These challenges make Nigerian small-scale farmers extremely vulnerable than most to changes-global climate change that are beyond their control. So, this makes me wonder that in light of the weight faced by these farmers, the federal government is offering to distribute 10 million mobile phones to farmers, as if this should be the priority of the government in addressing issues faced by small scale farmers. It is indisputable that inadequate access of farmers to agricultural information is a key factor limiting the sector’s development in Nigeria and that mobile phones usage in some parts of the world has provided unique platforms towards food security efforts but IS THIS REALLY WHAT THE NIGERIAN RURAL FARMERS NEED NOW? Instead of distributing mobile phones, why not collate farmers’ number through Nigerian Communication Commission database and address the inadequate information via this means? Nigerian government needs to have a rethink on this decision as there is a great need for paradigm shift in information dissemination and management with clear understanding and consideration to the needs of farmers. There is also need to revisit and re- packages the extension workers and services for harnessing the potential in sustainable agriculture, being a resilient farming system to achieve food security. If we have to think, we can as well think big as a country and stop replicating actions and deeds from other countries which might not be good enough for our country.

REPORT OF PARTICIPATING AT THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNCSD, RIO+20 IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRASIL BETWEEN 10TH AND 23RD JUNE, 2012.

BACKGROUND The Rio+20 Conference are an international summit, which seeks to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted the first Earth Summit in 1992 and again hosted the 2012 summit (20 years later) which is why it is referred to as Rio +20. Oxfam International Youth Partnership (OIYP) is an initiative of Oxfam International, managed by Oxfam Australia that mobilises a global network of young leaders from around the world to bring about positive and sustainable change in their communities. It does this through supporting young people to advocate for their rights and those of their communities; supporting youth led initiatives and facilitating skills and capacity building programs INTRODUCTION TITILOLA KAZEEM from Centre for 21st century Issues Lagos, Nigeria, was selected by OIYP to join other fourteen inspiring young leaders from around the world, who are committed to targeting issues related to Food Justice (which encompass issues such as Gender, Small Scale Farmers, Climate Change, Land/Water Grabs and Price Volatility) as representatives of the Oxfam International Youth Partnership Program (OIYP) Rio+20 Youth Delegation to attend the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) from June 11th – 23rd, 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As one of the members of the OIYP Rio+20 youth delegation, l participated in a 6 week E Workshop from April 23rd – June 3rd, as well as the 3-day Workshop while in Rio de Janerio, in addition to the Conference and Side Events. This face-to-face workshop supported me to attend the Rio+20 Conference, by addressing the following specific objectives: • Support Action Partners to have a voice in global decision making forums on issues related to food justice and sustainable development • Support Action Partners to develop strategic relationships that lead to the development of networks and coalitions that will assist Action Partners in addressing food justice issues that impact their community • Support Action Partners to develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to effectively engage in RIO+20 and its related events • Enable Oxfam to provide a youth voice on global food justice issues ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AT THE CONFERENCE • OIYP RIO +20 workshop • Youth blasts • Side events- youth fixing the broken food system through gender and climate change. • People`s summits • International women`s day march • Elders and younger`s meeting • UNCSD • Media appearances • Echoes from Rio OIYP RIO+20 Workshops: The OIYP RIO +20 workshop which took place between 11th- 15th June, 2012 at was facilitated by a team of people and organisations with diverse experiences working on food justices: Andre Frankovits- a Researcher, Kate Raworth- Oxfam GB Researcher, Tricia O`Rouke – Oxfam International Economic Justice Media Coordinator, Pedro of the elders and younger`s team, Simon of Oxfam brazil and host of others. The workshop was an interactive one which helped built my knowledge, experience and capacity on various topics ranging from the UN systems and processes, the Universal declaration of human rights, UN declaration on rights of the indigenous peoples, safe and just space for humanity, women and the right to food, media, advocacy and lobbying, community engagement etc. Youth blasts The youth blasts which was also refer to as conference of youth for RIO+20 was organized to strategise and mobilize young people for, during and after Rio+20. This even took place between 7th -12 June, 2012 at SulAmerica Convention Centre in Rio de Janeiro. The international segment of the youth blast took place between 10th -12th as the first two days was reserved only for Brazillian youth only. I participated in the closing ceremony of the youth blast which was on the 12th as the OIYP youth delegation also had a presentation on that that on the theme “Youth advocate for a just and sustainable food system at Rio+20”, here, i shared the implementation strategies to create a just and sustainable global food system through our work in our community in the context of climate change as related to broken food justice. SIDE EVENTs Not only do I participated in both official and unofficial side events at the Riocentro in Rio de janeiro but also facilitated a side events alongside other action partners at the Riocentro, the people `s summit and at the Sulamerica Convention centre respectively. Presenting at the youth blasts side events presenting at a side event in the people`s summit Titilola and Muhammed Yunus People`s summit The people`s summit was pulled together by the Brazillian groups and is being attended by social movements, indigenous peoples, activists and organization from all over the world who are coming together to identify real solutions to the multiple and rising crises we face as human on planet earth. At the people`s summit, i Was able to relate my community story as to the broken food system and also participate in the International women`s day march to ensure that women`s voice were heard. Titilola and Oxfam crew at the International Women`s day march Elder`s and younger`s meeting Meeting with the elders and the younger`s on the 17th June, 2012 was a platform to share experience and expectations of the conference and also to form alliance of young people and elders working together mutually to create change. We were also able to put forward our community voices through the elders to the negotiation. Echoes from Rio Echoes from Rio is an initiative of Zero Carbon Africa, which is staged to broadcast and inform young people across Africa who cannot make it to Rio+20 through the hosting of an online radio for the situation development throughout the whole sessions of the summit. Being a member of the Zero carbon Africa, i was saddled with the responsibility of taking interview of African delegates, African youths as well as prospective participants. Titilola interviewing the chief negotiator for Nigeria, Mr. Aniedu Osita Titilola and the Zero carbon Africa after an interview with the media personnel from Nigeria. Media appearances You can check on the following link to see more of articles, interview, picture and videos of the above activities http://ipsnews.net/2012/06/youth-farmers-have-great-needs-and-low-expectations-from-rio20/ http://enews.oxfam.org.au/rp//1237/process.clsp? http://oiyp.oxfam.org.au/action-partners/rio20-conference-2012

FORCED EVICTION AND ARBITRARY DEMOLITION OF HUMAN SETTLEMENT IN NIGERIA

There have been several forceful evictions in Nigeria through demolition of human settlements in different parts of the country both by the federal and state authorities respectively. Communities affected by the most recent instances of demolitions include those in the waterside in Port Harcourt, Rivers, State; Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory; and Makoko in the Lagos waterfront. Cumulatively, the numbers of people estimated to be affected are said to be in the hundreds of thousands or more. The Makoko forceful evictions drew my attention to writing on this piece for the sake of interventions from young people, concerned authorities and the international community at large. Makoko community according to a resident, it has been in existence for more than 100 years and the people have been living in these shanties for these long years. The demolition which takes violent dimension commenced on Monday 16th July, 2012 after barely 72 hours short quit notice had one shot dead and many wounded. Over 30,000 people including women, children and the elderly have lost their homes. These evictees are further endangered as many of them are now forced to live and sleep in their canoes not only do they lost their homes, their livelihoods were also truncated as 99% of these people are involved in catching and selling fish. According to Social and Economic Rights Centre (SERAC), is currently investigating reports of a drowning of 3 children from a family when their boat capsized as they slept during the night on Wednesday two days after demolition takes place. Picture Credit; Muritala Ayinla of National Mirror Newspaper. MAKOKO COMMUNITY BEFORE DEMOLITION In the case of Makoko, as gathered from the community there have been allegations that due process was not followed; that there was no adequate notice to the affected community; that there was no thought given to the provision of alternative accommodation or resettlement of the affected community. The government explained that the exercise was carried out as said by the commissioner for water front and infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru, while addressing the journalists at the state house that “the decision to pull down structures erected on the makoko water front was to avert danger lurking around the residents, owing to the negative impact of the climate change”. He also explained that “the rise in the water level, persistent thunderstorm, occasioned by the climate change and the electrical pilot across the shanties are posing serious threats to the lives of the habitants”. He concluded that “ the reason for our action is to clear the environment and the entire vicinity of the danger that is looming in that area as the state is experiencing rise in water level and heavy rainfall as a result of global warming. “. Yes, governments action was in no doubt, well-intended, having regard to the climatic and environmental danger to which the community had been exposed but the government should have been more compassionate and humanitarian in evacuating the people from their community by providing an alternative settlement for the people the absence of which naturally aggravated the pain and discomfort of the evacuation process. Shelter is both a human needs and a basic right as guaranteed in section 16(2,d) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, “mandates government to ensure that suitable and adequate shelters ..... are provided for all citizens.” Also guaranteed under the international covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and People`s Right both of which have been voluntarily accepted by Nigeria and are binding on public institutions and government in Nigeria. There have been several calls to action on this matter as regards to human rights, the people of the community made a peaceful protest to the state house for governments intervention, journalists have been writing articles and human rights activists have also write and release press statement in this regard. I therefore, call on the international community including the youth to amplify the voices of these indigenous and marginalize people to ensure justice is done. KAZEEM AISHA TITILOLA ACTION PARTNER, NIGERIA.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oiyp/sets/72157630040563212/

COP Experience!!!!!

I applied to be a youth delegate at the UNFCCC COP 17 through Centre for 21st Century Issues, C21st is a non-governmental organization based in Lagos which respond to the emergent key issues of the 21st century. C21st work on several development issues, climate change issues, being one of the burning ones requesting urgent action . I work as a Program Assistant with C21st in their youth projects on climate change. Few weeks back, I was in Durban at the United Nations Climate Talks, South Africa, the two weeks at the conference was the best of my life, though challenging and disheartening but it was glorious. I`d spent two weeks with a clear aim, working with groups of peers with a shared goal and more than enough enthusiasm to make up for our lack of resources. I arrived in Durban with a naive mind and ready to make a change on a truly daunting scale being my first time at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP). I was highly proactive and really want to learn much about the COP. I participated in the UNFCCCC conference of Youths (COY), COY is gathering of young people to share their prospects and also learn more about the issues, share experience and build capacities. I also participated in the following UNFCCC Youth non- governmental daily meetings (YOUNGO), Nigerian Youth at COP meeting, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) activities, side events, actions and demonstrations, interviews, lobbying etc. The prominent amongst my activities at the COP was the organization of the first of its kind the teleconference with the Nigerian youth residing in Lagos who are unable to be present in Durban. The teleconference was organized by myself, Zaid Shopeju and Issiah Oluwatobi in partnership with CISCO. This was a very successful one as we were able to bring on board one of the experienced Nigerian delegates to discuss with Nigerian youths at home. The bizarre experiences are what convey the wonder of it best. I participated in the campaign to demonstrate our support for Africa to extend the Kyoto Protocol in Durban and not allow it to die on the African soil. After all the conference did not deliver a solution but the way the decisions were made was fast, closed and undemocratic. Documents were released and agreed faster than we could get to the documents counter to collects them, let alone read them. This was not the open, consensus process the UNFCCC likes to claim it is. This was old- fashioned, closed door diplomacy. If that was an effective, way of delivering solution, I`d be happy, but it isn’t. It left decisions till the eleventh (if only it was that early) and gave poorer nations no input whatsoever. I have met people of character, sharing common goals as I do and full of energy to help change the world. I have emerged from what i can only define as a great struggle to stronger emergence. It is now 2012. As i start a new year, it is not about finding a new challenge, but about finding a way to continue the old one, and use the skills, connections and experience i have built. For me, this year is about action at home, using knowledge from outside in the context i know best.