NGO calls for inclusion of women to address land grabbing

By Clara Egbogota

The Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development (NDWPD), an NGO, has called for the inclusion of women in negotiation teams  to address issues on land grabbing.

Mrs Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe, the Executive Director of NDWPD, made the call in Asaba on Monday at a news conference in commemoration of World Environmental Day.

The conference entitled, ‘’Land Grabbing and its Impact on Forest Resources and Gender Equality” was held at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

According to her, land grabbing has brought more negative influence particularly in areas of displacement, dispossession and loss of income.

“Women must be recognised as critical stakeholders and should be consulted for their input in any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“The impact of women losing their traditional livelihood to uncertain gambling in the name of land grabbing to an investor is a very high risk to the community,” she said.

Mrs Martha Onose of Community Empowerment and Development Initiative said that government and relevant stakeholders should implement actions that would address land grabbing and forest degradation.

“There should be training and capacity building for the community leadership on forest preservation, negotiation, mediation and conflict handling styles,” she said.

(NAN)