Dear Andrea
Thank you for initiating such an insightful and inspiring conversation. The examples shared so far highlight the transformative power of inclusive, community-led approaches to rural development and gender equality. I’d like to contribute by sharing an approach we've been exploring in Kaduna State, Nigeria, which focuses on integrating community health, environmental sustainability, and gender empowerment.
The Initiative: 'One Baby, Ten Trees'
This initiative ties maternal and infant health to environmental sustainability. For every baby born within the participating communities, we plant ten trees. This not only helps offset carbon emissions but also strengthens the community's sense of ownership and responsibility toward climate action.
Core Challenges Addressed
The initiative addresses:
- Maternal and Child Health: Limited access to healthcare and low antenatal care attendance.
- Environmental Degradation: Deforestation and its impact on rural livelihoods.
- Gender Inequality: Limited recognition of women’s contributions to community welfare and environmental stewardship.
Stakeholders and Their Roles
- Community Birth Attendants (CBAs): Trained local women serve as referral agents, guiding pregnant women to healthcare facilities for antenatal visits and safe delivery. CBAs also help identify high-risk cases, build trust within the community, and address cultural barriers that prevent women from accessing healthcare services.
- Local Governments and NGOs: Provide resources, support training, and ensure alignment with regional maternal health and environmental goals.
- Community Members: Actively participate in tree-planting activities and ensure the survival of planted trees, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
This multistakeholder involvement fosters shared responsibility, ensures sustainability, and addresses health and environmental challenges.
Inclusivity and Gender Equality
We’ve embedded gender equality through:
- Empowering Women as CBAs: Women are trained, recognized, and rewarded, strengthening their roles as community leaders and healthcare advocates.
- Intersectional Approach: Inclusion of vulnerable groups, such as almajiri boys (street children), in educational and vocational activities tied to the program.
Lessons Learned
- Flexibility is Key: Adapting the initiative to different cultural and environmental contexts enhances acceptance and impact.
- Community Ownership is Non-Negotiable: When communities see direct benefits, such as improved health and income from tree-based products, their engagement deepens.
- Referral Systems Save Lives: CBAs focusing on referring pregnant women to healthcare facilities rather than providing direct medical care ensure that women receive the highest standards of professional care.
- Partnerships Amplify Impact: Collaborating with local and international NGOs ensures access to technical expertise and funding.
Why This Approach Adds Value
By aligning community priorities (health and livelihood) with global goals (climate action and gender equality), we’ve observed increased buy-in and sustainability. The referral-focused role of CBAs has also significantly increased antenatal care attendance, reduced maternal and infant mortality, and strengthened the healthcare system's outreach.
This initiative exemplifies how leveraging collective action can create a ripple effect of positive change across multiple sectors while ensuring that maternal and child health remains a top priority.
I hope this perspective enriches the discussion and sparks ideas for new synergies.
Looking forward to engaging further!
Best regards,
Salahuddeen Mohammed Shitu
Independent Consultant
Kaduna State, Nigeria
Mr. Salahuddeen Mohammed Shitu