By Abbas Nazil
Jigawa State’s capital, Dutse, faces severe environmental degradation due to excessive deforestation, a problem largely driven by local communities relying on tree felling for their livelihood.
In an interview with NatureNews, the Jigawa State project coordinator of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Ubah, lamented the alarming rate of deforestation in the area, describing it a major contributor to the state’s worsening environmental conditions.
The situation was further aggravated by a recent large-scale deforestation operation undertaken by Alren Construction Company as part of the Garu Road dual carriageway expansion in Dutse Local Government Area.
The project coordinator revealed that neither the state’s Ministry of Environment nor ACReSAL had been informed before the deforestation commenced.
In response, he promptly instructed the Ministry of Environment’s permanent secretary to halt the company’s activities, a move backed by the Jigawa State Council.
While road construction remains essential for development, he emphasized that replanting trees after the project must be prioritized to mitigate environmental damage.
He said Jigawa State ACReSAL has embarked on an ambitious tree-planting initiative as part of its strategy to combat environmental degradation.
The project aims to restore lost tree cover through shelterbelt and windbreak programs, with 5.5 million seedlings planted in 2024 alone.
The state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, NGOs, community leaders, and rural communities, is spearheading this effort, with plans to expand the project in 2025.
The initiative seeks to curb the adverse effects of deforestation, including climate change, desert encroachment, and erosion, while also improving air quality by increasing oxygen levels and reducing carbon dioxide concentrations.
However, ACReSAL faces a significant challenge in the form of resistance from rural communities, for whom tree felling is a primary source of income.
Acknowledging this, the project has introduced alternative means of livelihood by involving local communities in nursery development and tree planting exercises.
To further strengthen conservation efforts, Jigawa State ACReSAL has spearheaded a review of the forest law to regulate deforestation.
The proposed legal framework has already been approved by the Federal Ministry of Environment and now awaits the governor’s endorsement before implementation.
Once enforced, the law is expected to provide a more structured approach to managing the state’s forest resources, ensuring a balance between development and environmental sustainability.
Dutse and the broader Jigawa State region are facing increasing environmental challenges, with desertification and climate change worsening due to rampant deforestation.
ACReSAL’s efforts, alongside government policies and community engagement, are crucial in reversing the trend and ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for the state.
