Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) for climate action in Ondo State is a youth-led initiative designed to strengthen community resilience to climate change by empowering local stakeholders to identify climate risks and co-create practical, locally driven adaptation solutions. The initiative engages young people, community leaders, government agencies, civil society organizations, and technical experts through participatory assessments, stakeholder consultations, and capacity-building workshops. Using evidence-based planning, the project identifies key climate vulnerabilities affecting livelihoods, health, agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems, and translates these into actionable adaptation priorities. The resulting Local Adaptation Plan of Action serves as a roadmap for communities to implement sustainable interventions, promote climate-smart practices, and mobilize partnerships for long-term resilience. Beyond developing the plan, the initiative seeks to strengthen local ownership by equipping youth and community members with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to advocate for climate action, monitor implementation, and influence policy. By integrating local knowledge with scientific evidence, the project fosters inclusive decision-making and ensures that adaptation strategies are practical, equitable, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to climate-resilient and sustainable community development.
Although the initiative is in its early implementation phase, it has already generated significant outcomes by strengthening local capacity for climate adaptation and fostering inclusive community engagement. Through a five-day capacity-building programme, participating Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were equipped with practical knowledge on Nigeria’s climate policies, adaptation planning, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and climate communication. These organizations subsequently trained 30 CSOs through step-down sessions, creating a network of local actors capable of driving climate action. The initiative directly engaged over 300 community members through community dialogues and more than 100 stakeholders through town hall meetings, including government representatives, traditional leaders, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the private sector. These engagements increased awareness of climate risks, promoted inclusive participation, and generated community-led recommendations on flooding, water management, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and disaster preparedness.
A key achievement has been the co-creation of the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) for climate action in Ondo State, an evidence-based roadmap that aligns local priorities with Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The initiative has strengthened partnerships between government, civil society, and communities while establishing a foundation for long-term, locally led climate resilience and sustainable development.
Project information correct as of September 2026