Youth and Women in Climate Action: The Role of Inclusive Participation in Taraba ACReSAL

Inclusive participation is essential for achieving sustainable development, particularly in addressing climate challenges. Taraba ACReSAL recognizes that women and youth are pivotal in building climate resilience and fostering sustainable practices. By ensuring that these groups are not just beneficiaries but active contributors, ACReSAL is fostering a more inclusive approach to combating land degradation and desertification. This inclusion not only empowers these groups economically but also strengthens community ownership of climate action initiatives, ensuring long-term impact.

Women in Taraba have emerged as agents of change through ACReSAL’s programs, which integrate them into decision-making processes and provide resources for sustainable livelihoods. By involving women in agroforestry projects, seed distribution programs, and capacity-building workshops, ACReSAL equips them with the tools to generate income while restoring the environment. For instance, women-led cooperative groups are now managing community tree nurseries, contributing to reforestation efforts and earning from the sale of seedlings. These initiatives not only reduce gender inequality but also enhance household incomes and environmental stewardship.

The youth are also at the forefront of ACReSAL’s climate action strategy. The program actively engages young people in agroforestry, soil conservation, and watershed management. Training workshops and community mobilization campaigns have empowered youth to take leadership roles in implementing sustainable practices. For example, youth-led groups are spearheading awareness drives on soil erosion prevention and climate-smart agriculture. Through these efforts, the youth are not only gaining employment but also developing a sense of responsibility for their environment, fostering intergenerational sustainability.

Stories from the field illustrate the transformative impact of this inclusive approach. Amina, a widow from Gassol, shares how joining a women’s cooperative under ACReSAL has helped her learn tree-planting techniques and boosted her income. Similarly, Musa, a young volunteer in Bali, recounts how his involvement in reforestation projects has given him purpose and inspired others in his community to participate. These stories underscore the tangible benefits of inclusivity in environmental projects. Looking ahead, sustained focus on inclusive participation will ensure that ACReSAL’s initiatives are deeply rooted in community needs, making them more resilient and impactful. By empowering women and youth, ACReSAL not only addresses climate challenges but also builds a foundation for sustainable development in Taraba State.