GOVERNOR Ildjima Abdraman of Hadjer Lamis Region in the Republic of Chad, has called for greater active participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in tackling Lake Chad Basin’s crises.
Abdraman made the call on Friday at the closing session of the week-long meeting of the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.
The Chadian governor insisted that the involvement of CSOs in the region would propel regional stabilisation, resilience, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin.
He, however, urged stakeholders to tackle problems associated with environmental crises, social tensions, and growing inequalities.
“Through cooperation and mutual commitment, we have the capacity to address these challenges in a concrete and sustainable way.
“Civil society groups, particularly those composed of women, youth, and community organisations, have been instrumental in bringing about positive change in Aguerre-la-Mise.
“These organisations, often the closest to local populations, have made significant strides in sectors such as food security, climate change adaptation, and community infrastructure,” the Chadian governor said.
Abdraman said the impact of CSOs in enhancing food security through sustainable agricultural practices cannot be overemphasised.
“Projects supported by these organisations have enabled local farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming techniques, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry, which have improved crop yields while preserving natural resources,” he said.
The Chadian governor also commended the CSOs for their work in promoting water management systems, rehabilitating wells and irrigation systems.
Also speaking, Martha Wandou, the Country Lead for the Regional CSO Platform in Maiduguri, highlighted the critical role of CSOs in addressing the intertwined issues of conflict, climate change, and humanitarian crises in the region.
Wandou said the significant impacts of a decade and a half conflict in the Lake Chad Basin, exacerbated by climate change, leading to displacement, social upheaval, and widespread humanitarian suffering.
“The region has been severely affected by Boko Haram insurgency and climate-induced disasters, resulting in massive displacements, human rights violations, and the destruction of public infrastructure,” she said.
Wandou said that the CSOs have proven essential in implementing the regional stabilisation strategy since 2015. (NAN)
