A Community-Based Approach to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Through Forest Restoration: A Case Study of Anambra State

Abstract

Most developing countries including Nigeria are seriously affected by climate change. The role of indigenous peoples in protecting global forests and therefore regional and global climate stability has been widely recognized. The causes of deforestation in Anambra State are urbanization, land clearing for farming, bush burning for hunting, over-exploitation of medicinal plants, inadequate forest management techniques, highways and building construction. This paper suggests how indigenous communities in Anambra State can sustain their ability to use little available resources to respond to, withstand, adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change through forest restoration. There are 179 communities (Town Unions) spread throughout 21 local government districts in Anambra State. Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) where each community is represented has a women's wing that unites all the women in the State. It is intended that each community will contribute 1000 tree seedlings, for a total of 179000 tree seedlings. Each community's women shall be responsible for planting the trees in the designated locations. In the foreseeable future, the 179,000 trees planted will lower greenhouse gas emissions that worsen climate change. It would not only reduce the effects of heat waves, floods, and droughts brought on by climate change but would also have several positive economic and social effects. If 675 trees per acre would sequester around 20 tons of CO2 annually for 30 years, it implies that 179000 tree seedlings in Anambra State can sequester 5303.7 tons of CO2 in 30 years if planted.