A Strategic Investment for Climate and Growth
In an ambitious move, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly unveiled the Propcom+ programme, aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system.
The initiative is poised to create a significant impact on climate and growth, leveraging a £55 million contract and a £2.89 million grant within the £95 million UK International Climate Finance programme.
Empowering Millions with Sustainable Practices
The Propcom+ programme seeks to support more than 4 million people, with a special focus on empowering women, by promoting and scaling sustainable agricultural practices.
The emphasis is on enhancing productivity, bolstering climate resilience, reducing emissions, and safeguarding natural ecosystems.
Building on Past Success
Propcom+ builds on the solid foundation that the UK government laid through its investment in agriculture via the Propcom Mai-karfi programme, which concluded in March 2022.
The latter played a crucial role in uplifting over 1.25 million people in Northern Nigeria, improving their incomes through market reforms and policies benefiting poor women and men.
Unlocking Financial Support for Nigeria
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the positive ripple effect of UK support, unlocking $210 million of financing from the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) for participating Nigerian states.
These funds will direct towards the development of critical infrastructure and related activities under the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
A Commitment to Climate-Resilient Growth
British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to building sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in Nigeria through the Propcom+ programme.
The initiative will address pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges, tackling issues such as nutrition, food security, climate resilience, and emissions reduction.
Pillars of Action
The programme, which began in May 2023, is implemented by The Palladium Group, with a focus on key states, including Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Edo, and Cross River. It delivers climate-smart agricultural interventions to empower the poor and climate-vulnerable in these regions.
Additionally, the programme will address deforestation and promote sustainable land-use management in Southern Nigerian states.
A Market-Driven Approach
Adiya V. Ode, Propcom+’s Political Director and Country Representative, emphasized the programme’s market facilitator role.
Three interlinked pillars form the foundation of Propcom+’s interventions: scaling climate-smart practices, building and piloting new business models for resilience and emission reduction, and fostering a supportive enabling environment through effective policies.
Fortifying Commitment and Resilience
The new Propcom+ programme underlines the UK government’s dedication to partnering with Nigeria to deepen investments in the agricultural sector. This time, the focus is on empowering vulnerable communities, helping them build resilience, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Through this holistic approach, the UK aims to create a lasting impact on climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable land-use management.
Sources: THX News, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP.
