About this project
Afripubhealth is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing public health awareness and fostering environmental sustainability, with a focus on the unique challenges facing African communities. Building on our past outreach campaigns, which reached over 1,000 Nigerians through social media and ignited critical conversations on climate urgency. This project seeks to scale up climate change awareness and action within Nsukka community in Enugu State, Nigeria.
In Nsukka, climate change is no longer an abstract concept; it is an immediate and visible crisis. In recent years, the city has experienced increasingly severe flooding during the rainy season, resulting in the destruction of homes, displacement of families, loss of farmlands, and even loss of lives. The situation is further worsened by abnormal weather patterns, such as the current cold spell, which disrupts agriculture, health, and daily living.
Despite the clear evidence, many residents still regard flooding as a routine part of the rainy season. This misconception discourages proactive measures, allowing risks to escalate. Scientific evidence confirms that shifting rainfall patterns and extreme weather events driven by climate change are the root causes of these disasters. Without urgent intervention, the human, economic, and environmental costs will continue to rise.
Our project aims to inform and engage over 50,000 residents of Nsukka and neighboring communities on the realities of climate change, its direct link to local flooding, and the practical steps they can take to adapt and mitigate risks. We will employ a multi-channel approach, combining grassroots engagement with technology-driven outreach. Activities will include:
Town hall meetings to engage community leaders, elders, and residents in open dialogue.
Workshops for schools and churches to educate young people and faith communities as key change agents.
Webinars and conferences to connect local issues with broader climate science and solutions.
Ecosystem protection campaigns promoting sustainable practices, such as tree planting and waste reduction.
We are proud to partner with the Our Water and Health Network (OWHN Africa), whose expertise and resources in water accessibility, training, and research will amplify the reach and impact of our efforts.
The project is financially viable with targeted funding and benefits from strong local networks to optimize resources. What distinguishes our approach is the integration of culturally relevant education, participatory learning methods, and consistent follow-up to ensure lasting behavioral change.
Through this initiative, we aim not only to shift perceptions about flooding and climate change but also to empower the community to take ownership of climate adaptation strategies. By building a culture of environmental responsibility, Nsukka can serve as a model for similar communities across Nigeria, demonstrating that grassroots action, when strategically guided, can lead to resilient, sustainable futures.
Goals and Objectives
Goal:
To increase climate change awareness and promote sustainable environmental practices in Nsukka, Enugu State, empowering residents to recognize, prepare for, and respond to climate-related threats such as flooding and extreme weather events.
Objectives:
1. Reach at least 50,000 residents through town hall meetings, school and church workshops, webinars, and conferences, providing clear, evidence-based information on the link between climate change and local flooding.
2. Equip community members with practical tools and strategies for climate adaptation such as flood preparedness, early warning systems, and household-level environmental conservation.
3. Encourage sustainable practices, including tree planting, proper waste management, and protection of natural water channels, to reduce environmental degradation.
4. Engage local leaders, educators, religious institutions, and youth groups as long-term advocates for climate resilience within the community.
Expected result
By the end of this project, at least 50,000 residents of Nsukka and neighboring communities will have a better understanding of climate change, its connection to local flooding, and how to prepare for its impacts. Through our town hall meetings, school and church workshops, webinars, and conferences, we expect to replace the common belief that flooding is a normal rainy season event with an informed awareness of its real causes and solutions.
We anticipate that at least 5,000 households will begin to take practical steps toward flood preparedness and environmental conservation. This includes actions such as planting trees, improving waste management, and taking precautions to protect homes and farmlands during the rainy season.
The project will also lead to the formation of at least 10 community advocacy groups, led by youth, women, and local leaders. These groups will continue to spread climate education and support community resilience efforts long after the project ends.
In addition, we plan to plant at least 1,000 trees and protect or restore five natural water channels within the community, helping to reduce flooding risks and improve local ecosystems.
Our social media outreach will also expand, reaching over 20,000 people online and sparking ongoing conversations about climate change and sustainability. Together, these results will not only improve preparedness in Nsukka but also create a model that can be adapted for other communities across Nigeria.
About me / organisation
Nwafor Modesta
Nwafor Modesta Oluebube is a passionate youth advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability, driven by a deep commitment to protecting Africa’s ecosystems and empowering communities to adapt to climate challenges. With a background in Microbiology, she brings a scientific lens to environmental issues, enabling her to connect the dots between ecological health, public well-being, and sustainable development.
Over the years, Modesta has demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating impactful initiatives that address environmental degradation, promote climate awareness, and encourage grassroots participation. Her ability to blend technical knowledge with practical community engagement has seen her successfully lead similar projects, delivering measurable results and fostering long-term change.
With her strong organizational skills, collaborative approach, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Modesta is determined to use this project as a platform to inspire action, advance the Sustainable Development Goals, and create resilient communities for generations to come.
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