Uche Isieke Profile

By Uche Isieke

Throughout the world history, one of the greatest and persistent threats to human existence and survival has been land degradation. The menace of land degradation has brought unimaginable increase in hunger, poverty, migration and insecurity. According a World Bank statistics, about 52.22% of Nigeria’s population live in rural community and are worst affected in any occurrence of natural disaster.

Nigeria has about 34723.85ha of cultivated area but due to over-use and intense impact of various human influences on the environment, land and its nutritive values have continued to dwindle both geologically and climatically, over the years. (FAO 2015)

According to available data by the Joint Research Center of the European Union, from 2000-2010, Nigeria has lost about 463,300ha of forest, as the net production dynamics of the year 199-2013 shows that 360,440ha has already declined. About 1,786,200ha has showed early sign of decline while 117,940ha has changed from forest to cropland. Also early sign of declining and decline it’s being witnessed in some 22,170ha and 1,590ha respectively.

A total Soil Organic Carbon (a major determinant of soil fertility) loss of 1,307,187tons has been estimated for the change of forest land and other land use, which represents 0.04% of the national soil carbon stock.

The issue of land degradation has brought instability which is caused by the lack of unemployment and income generating opportunities for the rural livelihoods, especially the youth. This has forced many to seek alternatives far from their home community.  This has further explained how the menace of land degradation and social economic disenfranchisement contributes to insecurity and the risk of radicalization and increased exposure to extremist group in Nigeria.

In the bid to halt the further   degradation of land, restore and revert same, a sustainable approach to increase food security, fight hunger and deal with this major contributor to migration of people in search of land and natural resources for survival.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD) Conference Of Parties in 2015 endorsed SDG target 15.5 with the aim to combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought  and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation neutrality world by 2030.

The use of charcoal for fuel is a major source of degradation. The practice cannot be stopped without making alternative provisions for the poor rural women; even as efficient cook stoves are one way to reduce fuel demand while other heating sources as LPG could also be provided. The argument has been to what extent the use of the alternative source –a fossil fuel- delivers a genuine climate benefit, compared to wood-base charcoal. A call for strategic work to all stakeholders to more sustainable alternatives.

The government through its relevant agencies should as a matter of urgency ensure that citizens are adequately informed and mobilized to jettison unfriendly environmental practices. This unfriendly behaviors to the environment manifest in such ways as: over-exploitation and poor use of the natural resource base; reduced flows of water quality; excessive soil erosion, gully and increased sediment loading water bodies; loss of carbon sinks, habitat loss and threats to biodiversity and more.

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO LAND DEGRADTION AND FOOS SECURITY

The growing food demand  as a result of Nigeria’s growing population and declining  harvest have continued to strain supply, increased malnutrition  and counters poverty alleviating  progress being made. In order to have a sustainable climate smart agriculture, there is the need to put into consideration, challenges of food security and climate change; agricultural productivity, support increase in farm incomes and enhance food security and rural development. It is an initiative that could help enhance adaptation, build agricultural resilience and food security to climate change while contributing significantly, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from crops, livestock etc.

Halting deforestation and the conservation of remaining natural forest and also reversing land degradation is important. Farmers can take an agro-ecological initiative that has capacity to increase the resilience of the farming methods. This is as it opposes such measures that promote high external input farming which enhances to climate change impact. Adopting improved practices is transformational as it could facilitate improved yields with improved diets; growth in productivity and possible reinvestment in rural communities as parents can afford sending their children back to school. This can further help in reducing food import and carbon emissions.

The use of agro-forestry can be an option for carbon fixing with the estimated lifetime benefit and total emission reductions ranging from 158 million tons to 712millions. This can achieve a measurable reduction of methane emission for livestock which come from improved breeding and feeding. Another example can be seen on how ranched cows can produces better enriched milk and beef.

To further achieve this global initiative, a multi-sectorial approach is required among stakeholders, especially relevant government MDAs at federal, state and local levels to set up a Land Degradation Neutrality Unit to be saddled with the responsibility to implement the LDN. There the need for collaboration among community based organizations, private sector and NGOs on how key into various multilateral, bilateral and national projects and programmes that addresses issues of land degradation in order to achieve the target 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition , responsible government institutions should develop and enforce a land degradation tailored legislation; obtain funding from the National Ecological Fund, increase budget and seek other donor agencies involvement; promote land degradation-related capacity building and research activities; develop a sustainable  LDN-awareness campaign at all levels of  federal and state governments; develop new approach to indigenous  projects for conservation and Sustainable Land Management techniques; work to implement mitigation measures such as agroforestry/Sustainable landscape practices as to achieve the LDN; and initiate sustainable funding mechanisms for land degradation activities.

There is also the need to mainstream Nigeria’s Land degradation neutrality voluntary targets and strategic implementation actions and measures as to achieve her voluntary target setting across local, state and federal governments.  Adopting and implementing best sustainable land management practices would mean multiple job creation for the rural men, women and youth, increase in food security and also land degradation free and a more secured Nigeria. Let’s get involved!

By Okeahu Johnson



Uche Isieke is an advocate for rural resilience, livelihood systems, and inclusion. He is quite passionate about the rural people, their environment, social and economic well-being. He is a young development professional with over 5years of experience and has impacted over 20,000 rural populace in over 10 communities through his various initiatives targeted at the poor and marginalized groups.
  Uche is the Executive Director of Rural Watch  African Initiative (RUWAI), a nonprofit committed to strengthening the production and protective resilience of the vulnerable rural communities whose livelihoods are threatened due to the ecological degradation, worsened by the human errors and climate change. Uche's core expertise is on rural resilience, livelihood systems, social innovative financing, and climate change adaptation. He is inspiring young Nigerians to lead in climate action and community development.

In 9/ 2017 - 2018, he was appointed as Assistant Country Consultant during the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification – Land Degradation Neutrality project( UNCCD – LDN- TSP), in Nigeria.
This national task availed Mr. Isieke the platform where he met and interacted with  key stakeholders amongst  relevant multilateral, bilateral, and donor agencies operating in Nigeria; and modeled collaborative strategies, for the implementation of the Nigeria LDN targets and other sustainable land restoration and live hoods initiatives.

He was a part of the team which mapped the strategic operation plan, for the successfully implemented baseline study of over 10  land degradation hotspots across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Uche  also contributed immeasurably, through research and drafting of reports for the UNCCD - NC in Nigeria, which was periodically  transmitted to the African regional office in Nairobi, etc.

He practically identified relevant multilateral, bilateral and donors; developed a strategic engagement mechanism and facilitated meetings with the UNCCD - NC and the country's secretariat.

Uche Isieke, during the time, was also in charge of both conventional and digital (social) media solutions regarding the UNCCD LDN project, in Nigeria. As part of his innovation drive, he developed a digital tool that allowed national and global conversations among the high-level stakeholders, around issues on climate change, desertification, and land degradation, with an aim to stimulating action for climate impact mitigation and adaptation.

Subsequently, he got a nomination to serve in the high-level National Technical Working Group, which developed Nigeria’s LDN voluntary targets Framework -a working policy document towards the restoration of Nigeria’s degraded landscapes to food security and economic growth in the country.

Uche served as a pioneer member of the technical committee, in the Stand Up To Be Counted project. A self-help/initiative for rural community development programme which mobilizes indigenous peoples’ voluntary participation in community development through innovative means. He also served as director, media publicity and strategy; and as assistant project director, from March 2015-2018.

On 26 August 2016, he initiated and led an indigenous rural community project awareness rally, which has been  described as  the "first of it kind in Africa", the first-ever rural community project mobilization rally in Oka community, Southeast Nigeria. The event witnessed the participation of over 50,000 indigenous and non-indigenes of the Oka community around the globe.

This was achieved through a dedicated community engagement digital platform; making Oka community the first indigenous rural community in Africa that has adopted the use of digital technology and media, in community development, as conceptualized and implemented by the Uche Isieke led transformative initiatives for rural community engagement and development. His dedication and contributions to rural development have been adjured “the most innovative “as it brought a tremendous facelift in his community's development landscapes. The consciousness of the people for community service has been reawakened; is now ever ready to volunteer for the common good of their community.

In  November 2017, he was called to serve in the Committee that facilitated the presentation of a successful book of Nigeria’s foremost diplomat and former Foreign Affairs Minister; and also the immediate past United Nations Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary/ Permanent Representative, H.E, Ambassador (Prof.) U.Joy Ogwu, OFR, where he demonstrated excellence in project coordination, during the period, while he served as the secretary, Planning Committee; event consultant and secretariat coordinator.

He was responsible for the drafting of invitation letters, minutes taking and reporting, facilitating communications among former and serving government functionaries including heads of states/presidents, diplomatic heads in Nigeria; military service chiefs, identification of vendors and strategic meetings, and program digital design; among others. The event witnessed the gathering of past presidents of Nigeria, past and serving political functionaries, heads of government MDAs and the diplomatic community.

Uche Isieke has consulted and also volunteered in several local and international NGO’s projects including the STOP EROSION NOW where he served as the national secretary and subsequently, the project manager; United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP)EBAFOSA project, the YALI Africa supported by the United States of America; Federal Ministry of Environment and many others.

Over the years, Uche has attended many courses, workshops and conferences both locally and internationally in relevant fields, among others are: African Initiative for Combating Desertification to Strengthen Resilience to Climate Change in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa; Best Practices for Combating Desertification and Land Degradation, Networking for Combating Desertification and Land Degradation; Fund Sourcing of methodology for community development; Climate Change, Governance, and Community Engagement – University of Michigan (2018) GIS and early warning drought system; United Nations LDN project workshop on Safety operations; Digital media advocacy and management, entrepreneurship and youth development; Environment Audit and the process to standardization.

He is a founding member of the African Youth Entrepreneur-Startup Development Initiative (AYESDI) an NGO that champions youth development through skills, network, and job creation, under the mentorship of Dr.Strive Masiyiwa of the Econet Group; Founder/CEO of Rural Watch Africa Initiative, a non-profit that focuses on building the livelihoods and resilience of rural communities facing climate change, environmental(land) degradation, and social exclusion.

Uche is a member of the National Working Group of the African Initiative for Combating Desertification to Strengthen Resilience to Combat Climate Change in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, on Improving Access to Funds for land restoration; a member of the European Union-funded AfriAllian Network;  Water Supply& Sanitation Collaborative Council, Switzerland, and more.

Photos, showing dilapidated Oka Primary School,Oka Central School,( all in Isiala Mbano,Imo State); Community Secondary School, Ifakala(Ikeduru, Imo state); and Government Secondary School, Adamawa. Uche and his team have been pushing( advocating) to get the relevant public and private institutions to come to the aid of the students in these rural communities.

As part of his advocacy for rural development and his contribution towards the development of his rural community, the young Uche, in  March 2016, convened a forum of patriots who are passionate about community service with over 1000 members- the Odi Nma Oka Forum is championing leadership, and indigenous people's participation in governance and community development.

Uche currently, serves in the Editorial Team of the Nigerian Harvest Magazine, a specialized that focuses on harvesting promising initiatives and success stories in Agriculture and rural development.

He was the Special Assistant to Nigeria’s former Foreign Affairs Minister and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, Her Excellency, Ambassador(Prof.) U.Joy Ogwu, OFR, on Digital Information and Secretarial Matters.

Uche Isieke has a certificate in Safety and Security Management; a Bachelors degree in Environmental Resources Management and many other certifications, to his credit.

He recently got nominated to participate in the United Nations Indigenous Fellowship Programme, in Geneva, Switzerland in recognition of his advocacy for environmental sustainability and rural/social inclusiveness.

“Climate change education is critical,as it embeds efficiency mindset and efficiency standards,in citizens. An action – driven advocacy is a way developing countries can meet emissions reduction targets and mitigate emissions growth across sectors. #KnowBetterActBetter”

You can get in touch with Uche Isieke via his official email:

ucheisieke@gmail.com and across social media platforms.

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Unarguably, we’re in the midst of an environmental emergency. Human - induced climate change has reached a crisis point. As summers and winters keep getting warmer, average wildlife populations have decreased by 60 percent in just over 40 years.

To keep the global temperature rise in this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre - industrial levels;and to achieve the UN ( recommended) ideal  1.5 degrees Celsius . We must take deliberate steps towards climate change mitigation and adaptation .

According to a World Bank Stat., in every 1000 pop,an average estimated births of about 256 births are given per,minute, globally. So I'm thinking what would be the global impact on the  environment when  256 symbolic trees are planted per minute.

The  Rural Watch Africa Initiative target to raise 59,000 seedlings to plant in its 1st phase of #KnowBetterActBetter campaign,  ambitious #climateAction  advocacy to instill the right knowledge and climate change consciousness in parents; and also encourage them to plant trees- symbolic trees at each given birth, to further accelerate countries NDCs towards carbon emissions reduction.

 Drought, desertification and land degradation - DDLD  are all linked to the climate change impacts.

The lives,livelihoods, health,ecosystems, societies ,economies,infrastructure and services ;all being affected  due to climate change that affect the  vulnerability of an exposed system.

 So we must plant trees,we must work with rural communities who are susceptible to climate change crisis and lack capacity to cope and adapt. We must build strength for resilience; and capacity to adapt to climate change!

Support  the #RUWAI  through its #KnowBetterActBetter  climate action advocacy.  #GetInvolved #VolunteerForSocialGood

Join the Madison Development Partners - Publishers of the Nigerian Harvest Magazine; as they present to the public,the “Nigerian Harvest”; a specialized magazine that focuses on promising initiatives and success stories in agriculture and rural development.

As a member of the team;putting  a work of this magnitude has been quite herculean as we pushed for the right stories that meets reader’s expectations.

A masterpiece,thoroughly researched and carefully packaged by a team of seasoned journalists, agriculturists,environment and development experts with decades of professional experience. This has attracted the attention of some  relevant  international organizations, as an  emerging platform that could help track partner/ stakeholder's progress especially, with  regards to food security, innovative technological advancements in the agribusiness value chains and their impacts on livelihoods.

The event is billed for Friday November, 2019 at Reiz Continental Hotel,Central Business District, Abuja,Nigeria; under the distinguished chairmanship of Sir Oloche Edache,KSM;Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture;and Former Assistant Director General FAO. The Co-chair of the event would be Former Minister, Foreign Affairs,and Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative,United Nations, Her Excellency, Ambassador ( Prof) Joy Ogwu,OFR. Other dignitaries expected at the event are Former President,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ,GCFR;the FCT Minister; His Excellency, Dr.Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa,Executive Governor of Delta State; His Excellency, Rt.Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Executive Governor of Imo State and hosts others. Let the harvest resound!