From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience and promote climate action at the grassroots level, the Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM), in collaboration with the Transparency and Accountability in Totality Initiative (TinT-FollowTaxes), conducted a community engagement and awareness visit to Tudun Wada to address pressing environmental issues, notably flooding and poor sanitation.
The meeting, held at the Tudun Wada Village Head’s office, was led by Rev. Michael I. Ikpa, KADCCAM Co-Leader for the Agricultural Sector in Kaduna State. It aimed to foster cooperation and joint efforts to combat climate change and other environmental degradation in the area.
The session started around 11:00 AM with an opening prayer, led jointly by Muslim and Christian clerics, symbolizing interfaith unity. This was followed by introductions of participants, including community leaders, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders.
During the discussion, key environmental and social challenges affecting the community were identified.These include the urgent need to dredge the river from Kigo road to Tudun Wada to prevent flooding during the rainy season, and the contamination of water sources caused by gutters draining into community wells, which pose serious health risks.
Participants also expressed concerns about unmanaged waste dump sites and the illegal dumping of refuse within the community, along with inadequate sanitation support and a lack of response from relevant government authorities.
Rev. Ikpa outlined KADCCAM’s four main thematic areas: Agriculture, Sustainable Land Use, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Restoration; Green Energy and the Green Economy; Waste, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Management; and Climate Governance, Social Inclusion, and Public Awareness.
He stressed the importance of inclusive participation, especially involving vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities.
KADCCAM Co-Chairman Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu explained that the purpose of the meeting was to foster collaboration between KADCCAM and the community to address climate change challenges.
He highlighted early warning systems to prevent disasters such as flooding during the rainy season, which would help boost community resilience and encourage sustainable environmental practices.
Representing TinT-FollowTaxes, Mallam Musbahu Mukhtar Ashu underscored the need for collaboration among civil society, community members, and
