The Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), are trying to restore 5,000 hectares of degraded land in Jigawa State.
ACReSAL State Coordinator, Yahaya Muhammad, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kazaure, Dr Najib Hussaini-Adamu, at his palace.
Muhammad said they would restore 5,000 hectares of degraded land in 11 communities, including Sabaru Gallu in Kazaure Local Government Area.
He noted that the team had completed a two-day field-based technical support mission for land restoration in Sabaru Gallu, marking the start of the initiative.
The coordinator said the team also undertook fieldwork involving tree planting and fodder establishment exercises in the community.
He added that key stakeholders, including women’s groups, religious leaders and community heads, were involved in practical activities and sensitisation to promote climate resilience.
According to him, the awareness campaign aimed to improve livelihoods and encourage community ownership of land restoration efforts across the state.
Muhammad said women and leaders in the communities were also engaged in the tree planting and fodder establishment exercise.
He appreciated the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) for supporting Jigawa and emphasised the importance of community ownership for the project’s sustainability.
“This initiative is part of ACReSAL’s wider commitment to reverse desertification and strengthen food security in Nigeria,”he stated.
In his response, the Emir commended the initiative and urged prioritisation of local, drought-resistant tree species and technologies for lasting environmental sustainability.
NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi