NIGERIA: USG TEAM ADVOCATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

UNCLAS ABUJA 002128

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV EAGR ECON EAID ENRG NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: USG TEAM ADVOCATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT


1. SUMMARY: On October 11, ESTH and ECONOff visited Zarazong
villages in Plateau State and discussed with community leaders
methods for developing and implementing sustainable income
generating micro projects. EMBOffs also facilitated linkage with a
local sustainable development network that coordinates among state
and federal officials, entrepreneurs, and NGOs as a resource to
assist them in implementing their projects. At the grassroots level
there is a strong desire for information and assistance to organize
communities to support environmentally friendly income generating
activities. The Mission will continue partnership efforts to work
with communities in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
END SUMMARY
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Zarazong Sustainable Development
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2. The Zarazong community is a collection of about seven villages
outside of Jos, Plateau State, which survives mainly on subsistence
farming. EMBOffs spoke to village leaders about community
organizing, resources planning and needs assessment methods for
developing and managing effective communal sustainable micro
projects. Members of the Mission have been working with the
community as volunteers to increase incomes, raise environmental
awareness, develop small-scale sustainable community micro projects
(piggery, shea nut collection, and beekeeping) and teach effective
dialogue skills for resolving communal problems.


3. At the meeting, community representatives agreed to form a
Zarazong Community Council to oversee the community's micro projects
by electing two leaders (with gender balance) from each village.
This council is expected to be in place by mid November 2008. In
addition to managing the various small-scale community
micro-projects, the community council will also address other
community-wide needs, such as potable water, transportation, and
education for children.
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Jos Sustainable Network
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4. EMBOffs also met with members of the Jos Sustainable Network
(JSN),a network of local NGO representatives, and discussed how the
network can help the Zarazong community build capacity to run
environmentally sound sustainable micro projects for income
generation. The discussion centered on a pilot shea nut to butter
micro project, which may generate income and help battle
deforestation and desertification. The JSN promised to work with
the Zarazong Community Council once it is formed to develop and
implement a sustainable shea butter micro project.
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Comment
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5. The Zarazong community efforts are strong examples of grassroots
community initiatives and their positive effects on the environment
and sustainable development. The Mission will continue outreach
efforts to provide information and assistance in Plateau State and
other parts of the country.


6. This cable has been coordinated with Consulate Lagos.

SANDERS