On 17th September 2025, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates for sustainable agriculture gathered at the Karu Local Government Secretariat, Nasarawa State, for a high-level dialogue on “Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Local Environmental Policy Opportunities.” The event, convened by Ecosteward Foundation under the auspices of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), in partnership with EnviroNews Network, Ecocykle Foundation, GIFSEP, GreenFaith Nigeria, and Community Action for Food Sovereignty (CAFS), brought together a coalition of civil society organizations and grassroots movements committed to advancing agroecological development and environmental justice in Nigeria. Agroecology as a Solution to Climate and Food Challenges Discussions underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and rising food insecurity challenges that disproportionately affect rural communities. Speakers emphasized that agroecology, rooted in indigenous knowledge and ecological science, provides a people-centered and sustainable pathway to tackle these crises. By promoting organic farming, waste-to-resource models, seed preservation, and community-led conservation, agroecology strengthens food sovereignty while building resilient local economies. Participants highlighted successful field-based examples from across Africa, demonstrating how agroecology can reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-driven agriculture and empower vulnerable populations. Local Policy Integration for Long-Term Impact A major focus of the dialogue was the need to integrate agroecology into local governance frameworks. The coalition called for legislative support, particularly through local bye-laws, to institutionalize practices such as land restoration, sustainable land use, and seed sovereignty. Without enabling policies, participants warned, grassroots innovations risk remaining isolated and unsustained. Embedding climate-smart agriculture into Karu’s local government agenda was seen as a vital step toward securing the legal and institutional backing necessary for long-term transformation. Building Partnerships for Inclusive Governance Mr. Nweze Emmanuel, Program Director of Ecosteward Foundation, alongside coalition partners, reaffirmed their commitment to co-creating sustainable initiatives with Karu Local Government. The courtesy visit served not only as an advocacy milestone but also as a platform for building stronger partnerships that align community-led innovations with government priorities. The dialogue emphasized that inclusive governance where communities, policymakers, and civil society collaborate, remains central to achieving climate resilience and environmental justice. A Replicable Model for Climate Action in Nigeria As the engagement concluded, participants reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up community innovations, strengthening local environmental governance, and ensuring that Nigeria’s youth and rural communities remain at the heart of climate action. However, a critical gap identified was the limited capacity of local legislators and policymakers to design, adopt, and enforce frameworks that support agroecology and climate resilience. While communities are innovating at the grassroots, these efforts often remain fragmented without strong institutional and legal backing. Capacity building for legislators is therefore essential. Equipping them with knowledge on agroecology, sustainable land use, seed sovereignty, and climate-smart agriculture will not only improve policy formulation but also ensure that bye-laws and local regulations are evidence-based, inclusive, and future-oriented. By empowering lawmakers with the right tools, training, and exposure to best practices, Nigeria can bridge the gap between community-driven solutions and institutional support systems. This alignment is crucial for creating an enabling environment where policies reinforce grassroots innovations, making climate action replicable and sustainable across all local governments. Ultimately, strengthening legislative capacity is not just about governance it is about ensuring that the fight against climate change is inclusive, science-informed, and resilient enough to secure food sovereignty and ecological justice for generations to come. This initiative in New Karu sets a replicable model for other local governments, paving the way for a climate-resilient Nigeria where people, policies, and the planet thrive together. www.ecostewardafrica.org
African Youth Mobilize for Agroecology: A Pathway to Food Sovereignty and Climate Resilience
Agroecology is more than farming it’s about justice, dignity, and sovereignty Addis Ababa, Ethiopia At Kotebe University of Education / 10th September 2025, youth voices rang clear and strong as organizations headed by Ecosteward Foundation and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) with support from the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in partnership with Frontline Food Leaders (FFL), the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Jeunes Volontaires pour I’Environnement (JVE), GreenFaith Africa, GreenFaith Nigeria, HBCU GreenFund, and Community Action for Food Security came together to mobilize young people around agroecology as a transformative solution to Africa’s climate and food crises. Agroecology rooted in Africa’s indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and cultural heritage is rapidly emerging as the continent’s frontline strategy for sustainable food systems. For young people, it offers more than a farming approach: it represents a pathway to food sovereignty, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. Why Youth and Agroecology Matter Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with over 60% of its population under 25 years old. At the same time, the continent is disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from droughts and desertification in the Sahel to floods and cyclones in East and Southern Africa. By advancing agroecology, African youth are stepping into leadership at a time when traditional industrial agriculture heavily dependent on fossil fuels, chemical inputs, and export-driven models is proving unsustainable. Agroecology, by contrast, strengthens: Youth at the Heart of Change The gathering at Kotebe University highlighted how young people are not only beneficiaries of agroecology but drivers of innovation and advocacy. Through training, research, and community mobilization, youth networks are reclaiming ancestral knowledge while integrating modern ecological science. “Agroecology is more than farming it’s about justice, dignity, and sovereignty,” Lucky Abeng Frontline Food Leader at the event affirmed. “We are building a future where Africa can feed itself without destroying its lands or relying on exploitative systems.” Global Implications This youth-led momentum aligns with global climate goals. Recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports emphasize agroecology as a critical tool to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Moreover, agroecology addresses the intersections of food, energy, and climate justice, which are increasingly recognized as inseparable in achieving a just transition. Looking Forward As the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2) concluded in Addis Ababa with multi-billion-dollar commitments for African-led climate solutions, youth coalitions like those represented at Kotebe University are insisting that resources flow to grassroots initiatives. For them, agroecology is not just a strategy it is the heartbeat of Africa’s climate resilience. www.ecostewardafrica.org
ACS2: Ecosteward Foundation Calls for Agroecology and Renewable Energy to Drive Africa’s Climate Future
Addis Ababa Declaration unlocks billions for African-led climate solutions, but grassroots resilience must remain at the heart of implementation Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 11 September 2025 — At the close of the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2), Ecosteward Foundation reaffirmed Africa’s historic emergence as a global climate leader, while urging governments and partners to prioritize agroecology as the backbone of resilience, food sovereignty, and climate justice across the continent. This call was made during the side event, “Advancing Food Justice & Energy Just Transition: Multistakeholder Actions on Climate and Food Systems,” held on 9 September 2025 at the Agriculture & Food Systems Pavilion, AICC, Addis Ababa. The event was convened by Ecosteward Foundation and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) with support from the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in partnership with Frontline Food Leaders (FFL), the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Jeunes Volontaires pour I’Environnement (JVE), GreenFaith Africa, GreenFaith Nigeria, HBCU GreenFund, and Community Action for Food Security. The summit, which brought together heads of state, international organizations, private sector leaders, and grassroots movements, concluded with the landmark Addis Ababa Declaration and a wave of unprecedented financial pledges, including: While welcoming these commitments, Ecosteward Foundation, through its Convener, Dr. Pius Oko, emphasized that it is time to move “From Declarations to Action”. Climate finance he insisted, must flow directly to smallholder farmers, women, and youth who are powering grassroots solutions, not stop at governments and institutions. “Agroecology is not a fallback option. It is Africa’s original climate pathway; restoring degraded lands, securing food sovereignty, and building resilience to climate shocks,” said Dr. Pius Oko, in his closing remarks. “If global finance fails to reach the grassroots, these promises will remain empty headlines.” Why Agroecology Matters Now Across Africa, over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and over 900 million lack clean cooking solutions; Fossil fuel driven agriculture erodes soil health, deepens inequality, and undermines food systems and Climate shocks from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in West Africa are displacing millions, with up to 118 million Africans projected to migrate due to climate impacts by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. Agroecology provides integrated solutions: blending indigenous knowledge, low-carbon farming, renewable energy, and gender-responsive practices. According to recent FAO reports, agroecology strengthens food security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as one of the most viable pathways toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From Declarations to Action Ecosteward Foundation is urging African leaders and international partners to prioritize: Grants, not loans, to prevent deepening Africa’s debt burden. Locally led solutions, treating farmers, women, and youth as equal partners, not passive beneficiaries. And Integrated investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, bridging food sovereignty with energy justice. A Turning Point for Africa’s Climate Leadership ACS2 marks a critical shift: Africa is no longer on the sidelines but at the heart of global climate negotiations. With the Addis Ababa Declaration, Africa has spoken with one voice. The challenge now, Ecosteward Foundation insists, is for the world to listen and act. About Ecosteward Foundation: EcoSteward Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit advancing climate justice; agroecology, energy just transition and sustainable development across Africa. Through advocacy, research, and community-led initiatives, it empowers smallholder farmers, women, faith and youth groups to lead in building climate-resilient futures. Learn more at www.ecostewardafrica.org.
Ecosteward Foundation Champions Agroecology at National GMO Symposium in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – September 1, 2025 – The EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), represented by its Program Director Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, stood alongside farmers, scientists, women, youth, and civil society groups at the National Symposium on GMOs – Charting the Way Forward for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria. The event, convened by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Environmental Rights Action (ERA), and the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, created a powerful space to interrogate Nigeria’s increasing embrace of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and to champion agroecology as a sustainable alternative. The GMO Debate in Nigeria Nigeria has become one of Africa’s fastest adopters of GMOs, with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Act of 2015, and its 2019 amendment, paving the way for approvals. By 2025, more than 20 genetically modified crops had been cleared for food, feed, and commercial planting. The approval of Tela Maize in 2024 ignited widespread opposition, sparking protests from farmers, civil society, and consumer rights advocates. Critics argue that: These concerns were echoed at the symposium, where participants demanded answers to fundamental questions: In whose interest are GMOs approved? Do they truly solve food insecurity? And what alternatives exist for Nigeria’s food sovereignty? Voices from the Symposium Experts and activists presented powerful arguments against GMOs: Ecosteward Foundation’s Intervention Representing EcoSteward Foundation, Nweze Emmanuel Obinna brought a youth-driven and community-based perspective to the debate. Drawing from EHF’s ongoing projects, he showcased how agroecology is already working across Nigeria: “Agroecology is not just a farming practice,” Obinna stressed. “It is a movement for justice, resilience, and sovereignty. It connects the health of our soils with the dignity of our farmers and the future of our children.” The Broader Picture Globally, the debate around GMOs is intensifying. While multinational corporations promote genetic engineering as a solution to hunger and climate change, independent studies and international bodies like IPES-Food and FAO highlight agroecology as a superior long-term strategy. Agroecology enhances biodiversity, strengthens rural economies, and offers climate resilience without the ecological costs of industrial agriculture. Across Africa, organizations like the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) are advancing agroecology as the continent’s pathway to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on hunger, climate action, and life on land. Charting the Way Forward The symposium closed with a united call to action: Conclusion The National GMO Symposium was more than a debate—it was a declaration of intent. Nigerian farmers, youth, researchers, and civil society are determined to resist the unchecked spread of GMOs and to uphold food sovereignty through agroecology. By standing alongside these voices, EcoSteward Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing community-led, climate-resilient, and justice-driven agriculture. The path ahead is clear: Nigeria’s food future must be built not on corporate-controlled technologies, but on the wisdom of its people and the resilience of its ecosystems.
Ecosteward Foundation Calls for Sustainable Agriculture at Abuja Workshop on Industrial Animal Farming
Abuja, Nigeria Blessing Akan, representing Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), joined civil society leaders, advocates, and stakeholders at a multi-stakeholder workshop held at Broadfield Hotel, Abuja. The event was convened by HOMEF, Environmental Rights Action, World Animal Protection, YARN, and HEDA Resource Centre to examine the implications of industrial animal farming in Nigeria. The dialogue centred on the activities of JBS S.A., a Brazilian multinational and the world’s largest meat processing corporation, which recently signed a $2.5 billion investment deal with the Nigerian government to establish six large-scale facilities across the country. From expert presentations and case studies, participants raised concerns about the negative consequences of industrial animal farming. While the project promises investment and infrastructure, experiences from Brazil, where JBS originated, reveal troubling realities, widespread deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, public health risks, and exploitation of workers. “Industrial animal farming may look attractive in the short term, but in the long run, it does more harm than good,” participants noted, highlighting that such projects often fail to employ local labour and instead displace communities, forests, and farmlands. The Director for Africa, World Animal Protection, emphasized that animal welfare and freedom must not be sacrificed in pursuit of profit. At the close of deliberations, the workshop produced key recommendations: Civil society organisations, including Ecosteward Foundation, also committed to: Speaking on behalf of EHF, Blessing Akan reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment: “At Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation, we strongly believe Nigeria’s future lies in sustainable, community-driven agriculture—not industrial farming. We will continue to stand with people, protect the planet, and defend food sovereignty.” The event marks an important step in uniting voices across sectors to push for a more equitable and environmentally responsible agricultural system in Nigeria.
EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation Participates in Youth Dialogue with UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator and Minister of Youth Development, Charts New Pathways for SDG Action
On 11th August 2025, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) joined other youth-led organizations at the UN House Auditorium, Abuja, for a high-level Youth Dialogue Forum with the United Nations Nigeria Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Fall, and the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande. The event, organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Youth (UNIAGY) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, formed part of activities marking International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” The dialogue created a platform for intergenerational engagement on youth inclusion, climate action, economic empowerment, digital innovation, and civic participation. Representing EHF, Nweze Emmanuel Obinna the Program Director, contributed to discussions on strengthening youth-focused interventions, removing barriers to participation, and integrating grassroots perspectives into national SDG localization strategies. Mr. Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to amplifying youth voices in development, while Minister Olawande emphasized the government’s readiness to partner with youth-led initiatives to drive inclusive growth. For EHF, this was a key opportunity to spotlight our climate justice advocacy and ensure that community-driven solutions inform policy and program decisions at both national and international levels
Nigeria Advances Climate Accountability: Ecosteward Foundation Contributes to NCCP M&E Framework Validation
Gallery: overview of stakeholders at the workshop The Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) joined key stakeholders at the Review and Validation Workshop of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2021–2030, held under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change with support from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project on July 30, 2025 According to Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, the workshop is part of a broader national process to strengthen climate governance, harmonize institutional efforts, and ensure accountability for Nigeria’s commitments under the Climate Change Act (2021), the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, development partners, and the private sector. Participants worked collectively to refine the draft M&E Framework designed to track NCCP progress, align with international reporting obligations, and support the mobilization of climate finance. Dr. Pius Agaji OKO, Convener of EHF, noted that EHF’s contributions focused on embedding grassroots realities into national climate policy implementation. “We emphasized the need for inclusive monitoring frameworks that recognize youth, women, and vulnerable communities as essential actors, while also stressing the importance of climate education, decentralized data collection, and public awareness,” he explained. The validated M&E Framework features indicators across mitigation, adaptation, and cross-cutting areas. Mitigation indicators cover greenhouse gas emissions by sector, renewable energy share, and energy efficiency milestones, while adaptation indicators include adoption of climate-smart agriculture, early warning system coverage, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Cross-cutting indicators highlight climate finance mobilization, gender and youth integration, public–private partnerships, and academic research outputs. EHF’s involvement has strategic implications for its future programs, particularly in aligning climate education initiatives with national monitoring indicators, supporting local governments in adaptation planning, and strengthening grassroots participation in national reporting processes. The Foundation’s presence at the workshop reaffirms its role as a key civil society actor advancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s climate governance landscape. The Review and Validation Workshop marked a significant milestone towards operationalizing the NCCP 2021–2030 through a robust and participatory M&E system, positioning Nigeria to better deliver on its climate commitments while ensuring local realities inform national action.
EcoSteward Foundation Participates in National Youth Mapping on Food Systems
Connecting Local Agroecology Voices to National Dialogue Written by Nweze Emmanuel Obinna Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025 EcoSteward Foundation, under the auspices of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), proudly participated in the recently launched Youth Engagement in Food Systems Mapping Report, unveiled at the inaugural Youth in Food Systems Convening held in Abuja. The event brought together policymakers, civil society, and over 100 youth representatives to discuss the central role of young people in transforming Nigeria’s food systems. Organized by the National Food Systems Task Team, the convening themed “Empowering the Future: Unleashing Youth Potential for Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems” showcased the findings of Nigeria’s first comprehensive youth food systems report. The mapping captured insights from over 6,000 young Nigerians working across agriculture, processing, food innovation, climate advocacy, and community organizing. “This report marks a turning point for youth-led food systems change in Nigeria,” said Azeez Salawu, National Youth Lead of the UN Food Systems Summit Nigeria team. 🌾 Why It Matters to Our Work For EcoSteward Foundation, this engagement directly supports our ongoing initiative:“Connecting Young Agroecologists and Climate Advocates for Transformative Food Systems.” Our involvement ensured that agroecological youth voices and community-level innovations were represented in the national conversation. We contributed practical data and ideas from young farmers and climate advocates in crossriver and surrounding states, spotlighting solutions rooted in ecological farming, soil regeneration, and sustainable land use. 🔍 Relevance to Our Current Project The mapping exercise provides valuable input to our project by: 🌍 Looking Ahead This national platform strengthens our commitment to building a resilient, youth-led agroecology movement in Nigeria. As we continue implementing our project, we will leverage insights from the youth mapping report to design more responsive mentorship, advocacy, and policy engagement pathways. We thank AFSA and the Food Systems Task Team for the opportunity to contribute to this milestone effort. Together, we are sowing the seeds of transformation from the ground up 📣 Stay Connected Follow our project updates at [EcoSteward Foundation’s Website]Email: [info@ecostewardafrica.org] | Social Media: X: @ecosteward1Hashtags: #Agroecology4Nigeria #YouthInFoodSystems #ClimateJusticeNow
Eco-Champions Arise: Youth Take the Lead in Nigeria’s Agroecology Transformation
In a bold move to address the growing environmental and food system challenges in Nigeria, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation under the auspice of Alliance for food sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), in collaboration with local civil society partners, have launched an innovative school-based program titled “Agroecology in Action: Growing Young Eco-Champions.” The initiative is already gaining ground with its pilot launch at Primark International School, Jikwoyi, Abuja. Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is under increasing pressure from land degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity. Yet, in the face of these challenges, one crucial group has often been overlooked—young people. The Agroecology Club project seeks to change that by empowering students at the secondary school level with the knowledge, skills, and values to become environmental stewards and food system changemakers. Mr Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, The Program Director Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation stated that the project introduces Agroecology and Food System Clubs in secondary schools, transforming them into vibrant learning hubs where students explore sustainable farming, climate action, and food justice through hands-on activities and peer-led projects. The clubs are not just about theory they come to life with demonstration gardens, eco-literacy training, and student-led campaigns, linking classroom education with real-world solutions. Under the theme “Eco-Champions for Agroecology,” the program aims to foster environmental leadership and inspire youth-driven innovation. It promotes a practical understanding of how agroecological practices—such as composting, crop rotation, organic pest control, and rainwater harvesting—can improve food security and restore ecosystems. Speaking at the launch event, project leads emphasized the urgent need to reconnect young people with the land and equip them for the green careers of the future. “We believe schools are the seedbeds of transformation,” said one facilitator. “By investing in students today, we are growing tomorrow’s climate leaders.” Beyond awareness, the project’s vision is firmly rooted in sustainability. Each club is integrated into the school’s extracurricular structure, supported by trained teachers and local partners, ensuring it remains active and relevant long after the pilot phase. As the project moves forward, the next steps include expanding to more schools, strengthening partnerships, and documenting impact stories to inspire wider policy integration of agroecology into Nigeria’s education and agricultural development strategies. In a time when climate action can feel overwhelming, this project offers a refreshing model of hope—one where young people are not just part of the future but are actively building it.
Empowering Communities Through Green Skills: Ecosteward Partners on Plastic-to-Craft Training in Uke, Nasarawa
In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025 themed “Ending Global Plastic Pollution”, EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation proudly co-partnered in a transformative one-day event held on 22nd June 2025 at Uke Community, Nasarawa State. The program, titled “Plastics to Creative Crafts in Communities (P3C)”, with support from France Embassy in Nigeria, was led by Ecocykle Development Foundation, an NGO championing circular economy solutions across vulnerable communities in Nigeria, With plastic pollution increasingly threatening both ecosystems and livelihoods, the P3C initiative tackled the problem from both an environmental and economic lens. The program specifically targeted 70 women and girls from vulnerable backgrounds, equipping them with practical skills to convert plastic waste into eco-friendly crafts such as artistic jewelry and sustainable paper packaging. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, sustainability education sessions, and interactive dialogues with community leaders and waste management authorities. The training not only introduced them to income-generating green skills but also sparked behavioral change around single-use plastic consumption in the community. EcoSteward and Humanitarian Foundation, represented by Program Director Mr. Nweze Emmanuel Obinna, emphasized the need for inclusive environmental education and green entrepreneurship as tools for grassroots resilience. “This initiative represents exactly the kind of people-powered, planet-first approach we believe in,” Mr. Obinna stated during his address. With over 70 women trained and many already exploring business ideas around upcycling, the P3C project is expected to catalyze small-scale eco-enterprises across Nasarawa State. Beyond its immediate impact, the program sends a powerful message: communities especially women can lead the fight against plastic pollution when equipped with knowledge, skills, and opportunity. This collaboration is a testament to what’s possible when civil society organizations unite to drive local solutions for global challenges. As EcoSteward continues to champion sustainability and empowerment, programs like P3C reflect the growing shift towards green, inclusive development in Nigeria.