Germany has formally launched the Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions (CORE) Project in Nigeria, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping smallholder farmers adopt climate-smart rice production practices.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in partnership with Olam Agri. 

Through this collaboration, smallholder rice farmers will be empowered to reduce carbon emissions, increase yields, and cut production costs, strengthening both environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods.

Beyond its environmental impact, the CORE Project promises to deliver economic empowerment, market integration, and gender inclusivity, marking a significant stride for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the launch, Johannes Lehne, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy in Abuja, emphasised the project’s importance:

“The CORE project addresses the dual challenge of food insecurity and climate change while supporting Nigeria’s national climate goals.”

The urgency of such interventions was further highlighted by Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change, who revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $100 million annually to climate-related flooding.

By connecting smallholder farmers to carbon markets, the CORE Project aligns with Nigeria’s 2030 climate investment targets and positions the country as a leader in climate-smart agricultural innovation across Africa. 

The initiative also reinforces Germany’s commitment to global climate action and sustainable development partnerships.

Source: GIZ Nigeria& ECOWAS