Abia State – The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), in collaboration with the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has trained persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Abia State on climate-smart agriculture, waste recycling, and environmental conservation.
The two-day capacity-building workshop, held in Aba, aimed at equipping PWDs with skills to enhance their economic empowerment while strengthening their resilience against climate change.
Building Climate Resilience Through Agriculture
The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Mr. David Anyaele, who also serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, underscored the need to remove barriers preventing PWDs from participating in climate adaptation efforts. He commended CCD and Governor Alex Otti for their commitment to fostering inclusivity in economic activities.
Dr. Donatus Onu, a Senior Lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, led discussions on climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing that PWDs can improve their livelihoods through sustainable farming techniques. He urged participants to develop skills that would make them resilient farmers, rather than allowing their disabilities to limit their potential.
West Africa Programme Manager for DRF, Mr. Theophilus Odaudu, highlighted the vulnerability of PWDs to climate change and encouraged them to disseminate the knowledge gained to their communities. CCD’s Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, stated that the training was designed to empower PWDs economically, reducing dependence on charity and fostering self-sufficiency.
Empowering PWDs Through Waste Recycling
Prof. Kelechi Igwe, a Professor of Agricultural Economics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, introduced participants to the economic benefits of recycling. He highlighted organic waste recycling as an accessible and profitable venture that PWDs could engage in from their homes.
Participants, including PWDs, representatives from civil society organizations, government ministries, and agencies, described the training as transformative. Many expressed gratitude, stating that the skills acquired would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability.
The workshop reinforced the role of PWDs in climate change mitigation and adaptation, positioning them as active contributors to climate resilience in Abia State. CCD and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting PWDs in overcoming economic and environmental challenges through sustainable practices.
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