Kaduna women climate empowerment efforts are taking shape through a new initiative designed to tackle deforestation, desertification, and poor climate awareness. The Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative (WECRI), in collaboration with the Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) programme, has finalized plans to train communities across the state.
Educating Kaduna Communities on Climate
The Bridge That Gap (BTG) Initiative, a consortium partner of the four-year PACE programme, will lead a six-month pilot project. The pilot will cover Chikun, Zangon Kataf, and Zaria local government areas. Activities will focus on creating climate awareness, discouraging deforestation, and encouraging sustainable living practices.
During a visit to Zangon Kataf, BTG’s Executive Director, Gloria Bulus, secured royal approval from the traditional ruler before implementation. She explained that the project will also train journalists on how to report climate change, deforestation, and desertification effectively. To strengthen public outreach, the team will host interactive radio call-in programmes.
Practical Support for Women
The initiative includes the distribution of energy-efficient cookstoves to 50 women. These stoves will ease the burden of collecting firewood while reducing environmental pressure. According to Bulus, monitoring of stove usage will take place in Zonkwa community to evaluate readiness for the intervention.
In addition, women leaders will receive training in governance and advocacy. This empowers them to lead climate campaigns, ensuring that women’s voices play a central role in shaping sustainable practices. The project also involves planting 2,000 trees in the region to restore lost vegetation.
Community Leaders Endorse the Project
Traditional leaders and local officials expressed strong support. Luka Kogi-Yabwat, the traditional ruler of Zangon Kataf, pledged his cooperation, calling the project enduring and beneficial. Similarly, Sarkin Daji of Zonkwa, Philip Jatau, welcomed the effort, noting that tree planting would provide lasting benefits to future generations struggling with limited firewood access.
“We are happy because even when we are no longer here, our children will appreciate the results of this project,” Jatau said. He emphasized that vast open fields in the community could support tree planting for years to come.
Ayuba Diem, Secretary to the local government council, added that the intervention would slow tree felling, improve climate awareness, and encourage sustainable growth. He warned that unchecked deforestation had already led to unusual indoor heat exposure, highlighting the urgency of action.
Inclusion and Expansion
The advocacy team also met with the Esu of Chikun, Ishaku Yari, who fully endorsed the project. He urged organizers to include internally displaced persons (IDPs) among the beneficiaries and highlighted Maraba Rido as a community in urgent need of support.
Through initiatives like this, Kaduna State continues to position itself as a hub for climate resilience and women empowerment. By combining grassroots action with strong community partnerships, the project demonstrates how women can drive sustainable change in Nigeria.
