A comprehensive Sustainable Management Plan has been presented to guide Enugu State towards climate-smart oil palm production. The plan, developed under the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders project, aims to improve the incomes of smallholder farmers and enhance their access to markets. It addresses challenges such as low productivity, deforestation, and weak policy frameworks. The plan was validated in Enugu and is expected to be adopted into the state's agricultural strategy.
The Programme Manager of Solidaridad Nigeria, Ernest Ita, noted that assessments identified ageing plantations, poor planting materials, and inappropriate use of fertilisers as key factors limiting sustainability. He expressed hope that the government would adopt the plan to help oil palm farmers and processors. Solidaridad's intervention has reached over 10,000 smallholder farmers and nearly 5,000 processors, with yields increasing from 2.7 tonnes per hectare annually to more than six tonnes.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation could make compliance with sustainable production standards increasingly important for Nigerian producers seeking access to the European market. Ita warned that Nigeria risks losing access to the lucrative European market if unsustainable practices persist. The plan is designed to help smallholder farmers adapt to sustainable practices and improve their productivity.
The Project Coordinator, Samson Shaibu, described the SMP as a practical framework for oil palm development, anchored on environmental stewardship, social inclusion, economic development, and policy coordination. He noted that smallholder farmers account for 80-82% of oil palm production, making their productivity critical to the industry's growth.
Shaibu explained that the choice of Enugu was influenced by a need for ecological balance, with the organisation having already implemented projects in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi states. He added that considerable progress had been made in moving farmers from unsustainable farming methods to sustainable practices.
Dr. Mbadike Chidimma, a participant, applauded the intervention, stating that the programme had improved the capacity of smallholder farmers in Best Management Practices (BMP). Stakeholders at the event commended Solidaridad for its continuous intervention and expressed optimism that the SMP would boost oil palm production in Enugu State.
The validation workshop was attended by stakeholders, including the Executive Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area, Greg Anyaegbudike, and officials from the state Ministries of Agriculture and Environment. They expressed support for the plan and its potential to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and the state's economy.
Key points
- The plan aims to improve the incomes of smallholder farmers and enhance their access to markets.
- Nigeria risks losing access to the European market if unsustainable practices persist.
- The plan is designed to help smallholder farmers adapt to sustainable practices and improve their productivity.
