By Faridat Salifu
The ambitious Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, is set to revolutionize the ecological landscape of Kano State with plans in place to introduce over 10 million trees to counter desertification, combat climate change, and promote agro-climatic resilience in the region over the next four years.
In an interview with a local radio station, Dr. Hashim outlined a comprehensive strategy to plant 2.5 million trees annually, beginning this year.
By collaborating with Civil Society Organizations and various agencies, the initiative aims to facilitate an inclusive and extensive afforestation program, which will include planting trees along major metropolitan roads and in diverse geographical areas.
The project does not merely view these trees as a solution to climate change; they also expect the trees to contribute to enhanced air quality, improved soil fertility, and reduced evapotranspiration rates.
Dr. Hashim emphasized the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to surpass previous challenges and achieve their designated objectives.
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This joint endeavor, involving the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the governments of nineteen Northern states, is also addressing deforestation by dispensing fuel-efficient cooking stoves.
Furthermore, plans are underway to establish woodlots to regulate logging activities and prevent further environmental degradation.
ACReSAL is not solely focused on environmental conservation; the initiative also includes plans to boost food production. One such endeavor involves the construction of a mini dam in Yan Sabo, Tofa Local Government Area, creating opportunities for over two thousand farmers.
The project is also targeting uncontrolled sand mining, a threat to lives and the environment, while simultaneously addressing factors contributing to flooding.
In pursuit of sustainable efforts, ACReSAL has acquired cleaning and refuse evacuation tools, which will be distributed to self-help groups.
These groups will play an integral role in perpetuating and expanding the environmental initiatives initiated by the ACReSAL project, ensuring a lasting, positive impact on the state’s ecological health and agricultural productivity.
