The Resilient Opportunities for Outreach, Trade & Sustainability (ROOTS) project, led by Adolescent Health and Information Projects, is designed to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, unemployment, gender inequality, and irregular migration in Kano State.
Northern Nigeria, particularly Kano State, is experiencing worsening desertification, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity, which have reduced agricultural productivity and weakened rural livelihoods. Women and youth who depend heavily on agriculture and informal trade are disproportionately affected. High youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities continue to drive irregular migration, often resulting in loss of lives, debt, stigma, and difficult reintegration for returnees.
ROOTS adopts an integrated, community-centred approach that combines climate-smart agriculture, economic empowerment, reintegration support, and awareness of safe migration. The programme promotes dignified livelihoods, strengthens local institutions, and supports alignment with national and regional frameworks, including the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement.
Project Goal
To strengthen climate resilience, inclusive livelihoods, and safe migration pathways for women, youth, returnees, and smallholder farmers in Kano State by addressing the root causes of irregular migration through climate-smart agriculture, economic empowerment, gender-responsive governance, and improved migration management systems.
Specific Objectives
Increase agricultural resilience and inclusive livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Improve economic inclusion and reduce migration-related risks among youth through sustainable empowerment.
Strengthen governance, coordination, and institutional capacity of state and non-state actors to implement migration management and livelihood support initiatives.
Enhance the capacity of civil society, women’s organizations, private sector actors, and local authorities to promote the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement, gender equality, and migrant protection.
Increase public awareness, advocacy, and community engagement on safe migration and reintegration.
Core Interventions
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training and inputs
Agribusiness and livelihood support for returnees
Vocational and life-skills training for women and youth
Financial literacy and cooperative development
Migration governance and ECOWAS Free Movement awareness
GBV prevention, psychosocial support, and community engagement
Expected Outcomes / Impact
Increased household income and improved food security
Reduced pressure for irregular migration
Safer migration practices and better informed decision-making
Stronger, gender-responsive local institutions
Sustainable community resilience in Kano State
