Solidaridad, IDH, others collaborate to advance climate-smart oil palm development in Nigeria

In a bid to strengthen collaboration and drive sustainable agricultural practices, Solidaridad, in partnership with the Sustainable Trade Initiatives (IDH) and key industry stakeholders, has convened a strategic meeting focused on climate-smart oil palm development in Nigeria.

The event, held under the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (#NISCOPS), brought together a diverse group of participants, including policymakers, value chain actors, farmers, researchers, and funding partners.

Discussions centered on evaluating progress, shaping policies, and identifying innovative financing solutions to enhance sustainability in the sector.

Nigeria Country Representative for Solidaridad, Gabriel Fapojuwo, highlighted the importance of the forum in fostering collaboration and aligning efforts across the agricultural value chain.

A significant aspect of the discussions was the potential integration of carbon credits into Nigeria’s agricultural system, with stakeholders examining how successful models from other countries could be adapted to benefit smallholder farmers.

Fapojuwo emphasized the need for a coordinated approach involving policymakers, implementers, and regulators to ensure effective and lasting solutions.

“New generations are introducing alternative funding models that could revolutionise access to finance. It’s time we explore these opportunities and localize successful global practices within Nigeria”, he said.

He however emphasised on smallholder farmers, ensuring that policy recommendations and financial strategies directly benefit those working on the ground.

The Program Manager for Oil Palm at Solidaridad, Kenechukwu Onukwube, highlighted the importance of translating discussions into actionable strategies across different sectors.

“We must move beyond traditional approaches and actively implement what we learn here. This forum offers a valuable opportunity for government officials to gain insights that drive impactful change in their states.

“The discussions also underscored the need for innovative hubs to serve as benchmarks for growth in Nigeria’s oil palm industry”, he added.