A research conducted by scholars has revealed that Nigeria joined the United Nations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative in 2010 to position the country among the nations with the lowest carbon emissions.
The research aimed to enable Nigeria to enhance its forest carbon stocks, improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, and foster sustainable development.
The research findings were disseminated at a stakeholders’ workshop co-hosted by REPRC-EfD Nigeria and the National REDD+ Secretariat in Calabar, Cross River State, a pilot state for the implementation of REDD+ projects in Nigeria.
It was revealed that many communities in Cross River State are inclined to engage in efforts to conserve Nigerian forests through the implementation of the REDD+ initiative.
The Nigerian researchers assessed the willingness of individuals to participate in future REDD+ projects, identified factors influencing their participation, and estimated the impact of REDD+ on household income and food security among different gender groups.
Prof Nnaemeka Chukwuone, the Director of REPRC-EfD Nigeria, disclosed that the study uncovered a readiness among many communities to engage in future REDD+ projects in the country, with households willing to contribute labor towards the success of the project.
Prof Nnaemeka highlighted that the initial REDD+ projects in the Cross River communities failed to yield the desired impact due to flawed implementation of the intervention programs.
“The outcomes of this research will guide the future design of REDD+ interventions to ensure impactful outcomes for forest communities,” he stated.
Dr Moses Ama, the Director and National Coordinator of the REDD+ Secretariat, emphasized that the study findings provide valuable information that can serve as a foundation for structuring future REDD+ intervention programs.
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