Community-Based Natural Resource Management Programme - Niger Delta

This programme has made a community development fund available to support local initiatives in sustainable livelihood improvement, natural resource management and the provision of small-scale community infrastructure. The goal of the programme is to improve the standards of living and quality of life of poor rural people in the Niger Delta, with a special focus on women and young people.

A major concern is to reduce tensions and conflict by improving employment opportunities for young people and channelling their energies into the development of sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management activities.

In the nine Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, poverty is severe and widespread despite a wealth of natural resources. Poverty is especially prevalent among small-scale farmers cultivating food crops and among fishing communities using only rudimentary equipment. These groups lack food security and are highly vulnerable to environmental shocks. The programme encourages them to participate in development activities. It also builds the capacity of government institutions at different levels to meet the development needs of these groups, and consolidates partnerships among donors, NGOs and other agencies.

Source: IFAD