Solidaridad, an international network organization headquartered in Netherlands that partners with countries around the globe, has hosted a two-day Civil Society Organization (CSOs) Wrap-up Workshop under the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) in West Africa, aimed at improving the profitability and sustainability of oil palm.
Sam Ogallah, technical team lead for Solidaridad, shared at the workshop in Akwa-Ibom’s state capital, Uyo, that he was highly impressed with the level of impact being made in Akwa-Ibom, Cross-Rivers, Enugu and Kogi States through the activities of the CSOs.
“It is also impactful to note how the livelihood of oil palm farmers are being transformed in all the states we are working. That shows clearly that indeed, Solidaridad is making and creating that ‘Change That Really Matters’ which is our slogan.
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“On the way forward, I think the reward for good work is more work. We will continue to engage with the CSOs and continue to consolidate on our gains, so far,” Ogallah said.
Kene Onukwube, project manager for NISCOPS, noted that following the workshop, the CSOs would engage with private sector actors in the states on fundraising opportunities while also helping communities address the challenges of social inclusion alongside policymakers and legislatures.
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CSO stakeholders and participants at the end of the workshop expressed optimism that lessons learnt at the workshop would positively impact their various approaches to executing the Solidaridad intervention, ensuring sustainable oil palm production.
One of the participants, James Odiba, a managing partner of Intellect Associates A&J Limited, told journalists that the workshop helped to inform participants of what they needed to know regarding the NISCOPS project and to emphasize how knowledge of Solidaridad West Africa-Nigeria should be expanded.
