OKNP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | Africa Nature Invest

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

OKNP COMMUNITY TEXT

Livelihood Development

Conservation provides an opportunity for vulnerable communities to gain security and stability. Uplifting these groups ensures that benefits of protected areas are distributed equitably and makes these areas, and communities, more resilient. ANI performs projects that focus on aiding marginilised groups including women and those participating in indigenous livelihoods. This has included establishing women's groups and co-ops, performing skills and livelihood training, and working to protect land and grazing rights for those with limited access.

Community Integration

As a Nigerian-led organisation, we understand that those closest to protected areas are the voices that matter most. ANI aims to engage local communities to lead conservation efforts, leveraging local leadership structures and indigenous knowledge to improve park management. We employ Community Liaison Officers who build relationships with local communities and key demographics to ensure all stakeholders are being considered. Working with traditional leaders is one of our priorities, and we would like to thank all those who work with us to achieve a shared vision of a beautiful Gashaka Gumti.

Employment Opportunities

The Gashaka Gumti project generates thousands of employment days annually and prioritizes creating opportunities for those living closest to GGNP. The park promotes economic growth and further job creation in its neighboring communities, reaching many more people than just those who are direct employees of ANI. We invest in skills trainings that further promote livelihood betterment through park conservation for both our own employees and community members.

Education

Education is fundamental to improving the livelihoods of people living near Gashaka Gumti. In this region, lack of infrastructure has severely limited people's access to education. ANI hopes to rehabilitate schools, support teachers and provide materials, and create scholarships for community members to continue their education. We also establish and support environmental education programmes to strengthen the connection between people and nature.

Sustainable Pastoralism

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, and increasing populations are putting pressure on protected areas as available land and resources become increasingly hard to find. With our focus on empowering Africans, ANI believes that conservation can create solutions to land-use conflicts that benefit everyone. This includes projects on resettlement and working with pastoralists to identify and maintain alternative grazing areas for sustainable rangeland management. We also perform vaccination programmes to help local herders and limit transmission of zoonotic diseases to wildlife.