Tag: ActionAid

The impact of climate change has never been more evident, especially on agriculture in Nigeria. Erratic rainfall, flooding of farmlands, rising temperature, and soil degradation reduce farmers’ output and increase food insecurity.

Understanding this challenge, South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, organized a 3-day Agroecology training and established a model farm under the Local Rights Programme in Orokoro community, Isi-Uzo LGA, Enugu State.

Participants learned modern farming techniques and alternatives to chemical pest control and fertilizers. They also learned new methods for water retention and how to ensure they retain soil fertility in their farms. So as to increase farm yields and improve sales.

The training was facilitated by Mr. Theophilus Ivoh from the Ministry of Agriculture and Priye West, Local Rights Programme Officer. It covered topics such as soil conservation, sustainable water management, reduction in the use of agrochemicals and composting, pest control, multiple cropping, rotation, and intercropping.

In a truly participatory approach, the community donated four plots of land and were given 75 improved palm seedling for their model farm and personal farms. This would help improve the socioeconomic status of the households and community. It will also help the community be more resilient to climate change through afforestation and improved seedlings.

School-age children learn through creative activities like music, visual arts, dance, drama, storytelling, and sports. Creative arts and sports activities engage children across all cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical domains. It helps improve their motor skills, build emotional intelligence, and stimulates creativity and problem-solving. 

Understanding this, South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria under the Local Rights Programme, organized fun activities for kids to promote physical health and well-being for children in Nkume community. For maximum participation, the kids choose the activities they want to engage in.

The children participated in football, running games, egg-spoon, ball toss, freeze tag, and dancing competitions for the children. The activities helped the kids bond better and improved the kids’ team spirit.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass. 

Children’s Day is recognized worldwide as a day dedicated to fostering cooperative exchange and understanding among children and taking actionable steps to promote their welfare globally. It’s an annual event that allows children to express themselves and experience happiness during their formative years. 

South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, commemorated this year’s event, themed “Celebrating Creativity – The Power of Imagination” with community outreaches to Ihenyi and Orokoro communities in Isi-Uzo LGA and Ameke community in Aninri LGA. Stakeholders present include the LGA representative, President-General. Youth community leaders, parents, and teachers.

The children were educated about their rights and encouraged to report any incidents of abuse. Parents were urged to remain vigilant, especially when children exhibit signs of withdrawal or complain about abuse-related issues. The LRP program officer educated the children and parents on the importance of practising good hygiene behaviours and spoke about good environmental hygiene. The children participated in a marching parade, quiz competition, sack race, dance competition and a cultural display.  

The team also used the medium to sensitize parents and children on the importance of keeping a clean environment in line with World Environment Day. In a participatory approach, participants identified environmental issues affecting the community. Everyone vowed to keep their environment clean and desist from open defecation, littering, and indiscriminate waste disposal.  

International Women’s Day is a global day to celebrate women’s socioeconomic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a unique opportunity for women to rally and advocate for equal treatment and representation.

South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, commemorated International Women’s Day through a radio sensitization and advocacy engagement. The topic of discussion was DigitAll: Innovation and technology for gender equality.

The guests on the show were: Barr. Nkem Awachie – Digital Entrepreneur and Women’s Right Activist. Mrs. Blessing Uchendu – SSDO Gender and Protection Lead, and Ms. Priye West – Program Lead Local Rights Programme.

The radio show sensitized women and girls on leveraging digital technology to gather and preserve evidence in gender abuse cases. As well as educating women on using digital tools and the internet to improve their socioeconomic status.