Amauzari community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State has a population of about 15,000 inhabitants according to the 2016 census (54% are women). The major occupation of the people is farming. The community has been experiencing the effects of climate change unknowingly. These changes are very consequential and manifest in the poor-quality farm yield; reduction of incomes generated from farming; reduction in water availability, community land degradation and other sources of livelihoods. Unfortunately, due to ignorance, they are completely unaware that climate change is the cause of these dwindling fortunes. The most affected is the community market where the women sell their farm produce. When there is downpour, the market becomes inaccessible leading to reduced economic activities and loss of daily income particularly among the women who rely on the market to provide for or support the family. This project seeks to rebuild and increase the resilience of the community to effectively respond to the impact of climate change. This will be done through lessons and demonstration on activities such as biological and simple mechanical ways of controlling erosion and planting of indigenous trees. Project activities would include; Formation of a project committee comprising of 15 people; women, youths and men (elders) drawn from the community and nominated by the community through consultations; two-day Advocacy and sensitization workshop to be held with participation drawn from the various groups within the community. Train the Trainer workshop and practical demonstration on biological erosion control measures and Planting of Trees, 100 people will be trained to train others. The beneficiaries will also further train 200 other community members on control and management of erosion. The construction of drainage system at Afor Amauzari community market as the focal point. Production of Informative Educative and Communication Materials and Lessons Learnt and Knowledge Sharing Workshop
The people of Amauzari community are experiencing the effects of climate change but are unaware of the remote causes of this experience. This change is very consequential and manifest in the reduction in incomes generated from farming, reduction in water availability, Community land degradation and other sources of livelihoods. Unfortunately, due to the unenlightened nature of the community dwellers, they are completely unaware that climate change is the cause these dwindling fortunes. They are also unable to proffer solutions to these problems. The community is further faced with a serious problem of soil erosion menace which is ravaging farmlands and destroyingtheir road networks and other infrastructure. The most effected is the community market where the women sell their farm produce. When there is downpour the market becomes inaccessible leading to reduced economic activities and loss of daily income particularly among the women who rely on the market for daily income.
The project will build and increase resilience of the community?s people towards effectively adopting and responding to the unavoidable impact of climate change. This will be done through lessons and demonstration on activities such as Biological and simple mechanical ways of controlling erosion and planting of indigenous trees.
Project activities will include a one-day Project Implementation and Monitoring Committee meeting aimed at setting up modalities for the success of the entire project. The meeting will also produce strategies for the sustainability and active participation of the intended beneficiaries. Roles and responsibilities between the community and our organization will also be spelt out at the meetings. The committee will include 15 people comprising women, youths and men (elders) drawn from the community and nominated by the community head. Additionally, there will be a two-day Advocacy and sensitization workshop to be held with participation drawn from the various groups within the community like the Amauzari Progress Union, the Amauzari Aladinma Women Association and the Amauzari Youth Organization. This will create awareness of the subject matter and enhance effective participation in the project. The beneficiaries will also further train other community members.
At the end of the project lifecycle the following outcomes are expected:
1. At least 500 community members will at the end of the project be aware of climate change and simple adaptation measures they can take to reduce its effect.
2. 500 meters square of Reclaimed community land (Amauzari Afor market) brought under business activities leading to increase income for women who use the market by 40%.
3. 450 meters mechanical controlled drainage system will reduce flooding in the community center by 70%
4. Indigenous forest Trees increase by 1000 and increase in the community forest canopy by 10%.
5. The capacity of at least 300 farmers improved on biological measures of erosion control leading increased food security and their incomes increased.