Search Climate Insights Directory

The report identifies immediate opportunities to electrify agricultural processing in Nigeria, categorizing activities into three tiers of readiness. Tier 1 activities—cassava grating, rice milling, and flour milling—are deemed immediately viable, capable of reducing mini-grid tariffs by up to 26% if all three are implemented. The study proposes the 'Facilitator Model' for Tier 1 and the 'Processing Center Model' for Tier 2 to address barriers such as lack of credit and reliable electricity. A deployment strategy is recommended to unlock commercial finance through credit guarantees and grants, with an estimated national investment of under $30 million required for Tier 1 activities.

The report finds that despite widespread commitments, global progress toward the NYDF goals is insufficient, with tropical deforestation increasing by 44% since 2014. Through consultations with 84 signatories, the document identifies eight key lessons, emphasizing that high-level political will, secure land tenure for indigenous peoples, and a shift from 'grey' to 'green' finance are critical for success. While some localized successes in REDD+ and sustainable supply chains are noted, systemic barriers—including corruption, lack of transparency in agricultural commodities, and the criminalization of forest defenders—continue to hinder large-scale implementation.

The report examines the Nigerian minigrid sector, highlighting a potential annual revenue opportunity of ₦2.8 trillion (US$8 billion). Based on audits of ten commercial projects, it identifies best practices such as optimal site selection, community engagement, and appliance financing. While the regulatory environment is generally supportive, the report identifies barriers including high hardware costs, limited affordable finance, and inconsistent customs processes, proposing a series of stakeholder-specific actions to accelerate market growth.

The Reiner Lemoine Institut (RLI) developed electrification plans for five Nigerian states to achieve 100% electrification using a combination of grid extension, solar hybrid mini-grids, and solar home systems. The project addressed challenges such as data scarcity, modelling complexity, and undefined institutional structures through the use of GIS and energy system simulation tools. In cooperation with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), the initiative included capacity-building workshops for stakeholders on data management and energy demand modelling to provide local governments with evidence-based investment and capacity requirements.

Wilmar International, a major global palm oil producer, is accused of systemic environmental and human rights violations despite its stated CSR strategy. The document details specific land-grabbing and deforestation cases in Indonesia, Nigeria, and Uganda, and lists the major banks and pension funds providing financial support. It highlights the gap between the ESG policies of these financiers and the reported actions of Wilmar, noting that the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global divested from the company in 2012 due to sustainability concerns.

Odey Oyama, director of the Nigerian Rainforest Resource Development Centre (RRDC), is facing life threats and has been placed on a government watch list after opposing a 50,000 hectare palm oil plantation established by Wilmar International in Cross-River State, Nigeria. The RRDC alleges that Wilmar claimed land belonging to local farmers and protected forests, and began planting without local consent or a proper Environmental Impact Assessment. The RRDC is preparing a lawsuit against the company and the government for failure to comply with Nigerian laws.

The document examines the 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation' (REDD) framework, highlighting how its implementation often prioritizes corporate profit and carbon market volatility over the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Through case studies in countries like Indonesia, Mexico, and Paraguay, it illustrates risks such as 'leakage', the displacement of forest-dependent populations, and the lack of genuine free, prior, and informed consent. The report concludes that REDD should be decoupled from carbon markets and instead focus on reducing demand for agricultural commodities and timber while rewarding those who have historically conserved forests.

The report critiques the REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) framework, highlighting how its implementation often leads to the marginalization of indigenous communities and the privatization of forest resources. Through case studies in countries like Indonesia, Mexico, and Paraguay, it argues that REDD is being used by transnational energy companies to 'greenwash' their images while continuing fossil fuel extraction. The document warns that linking REDD to unstable carbon markets and allowing monoculture plantations may undermine actual emission reductions and exacerbate land conflicts.

The report critiques the 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries' (REDD) mechanism, highlighting how it can exacerbate inequality and privatize forest resources. Through case studies in countries like Indonesia, Mexico, and Paraguay, it demonstrates that REDD projects often exclude indigenous communities from decision-making and serve as a 'greenwash' for fossil fuel and logging companies. The document warns that without reducing demand for agricultural commodities and timber, REDD may lead to 'leakage,' where deforestation simply shifts to other areas, rendering the mechanism ineffective for global climate mitigation.