Otamiri Green Resilience Initiative (OGRI)

Restoring River Forests, Rebuilding Lives in Nigeria

Deep in Imo State, Nigeria, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. The Otamiri River forest—once degraded and struggling—is coming back to life through the Otamiri–Egbu Integrated Agroforest Conservation and Livelihoods Programme.

This community-driven initiative tackles a dual challenge: environmental restoration and economic survival. By planting 22,000 native trees and establishing community-managed nurseries, the project combats erosion, reduces dangerous fuelwood dependence, and restores critical watersheds. But the impact goes deeper.

Local farmers are gaining climate-smart agroforestry skills and sustainable business training, directly boosting food security and household incomes across 200 hectares of previously lost land.

What sets this project apart is its unwavering focus on people. Women and youth—traditionally marginalized—now lead restoration efforts and pioneer new economic opportunities. By placing governance in community hands, the initiative ensures local ownership and long-term sustainability.

This isn't just environmental restoration; it's a blueprint for change. By weaving together conservation and livelihood support, the programme strengthens rural resilience while healing the landscape—proving that economic opportunity and environmental healing can flourish together.