Afforestation Project in Kano and Jigawa States

Increasing areas under intensive agriculture with decreasing areas of extensive grazing land and a lack of fodder;
High rates of population growth (2.8 per cent annually) in relation to resources;
Increasing demand for fuelwood resulting in decreasing vegetative cover;
Inadequate forest-management policies and consequent over-exploitation;
Severe wind and water erosion on bare and friable soils;
Prolonged moisture deficiency causing stress on crops;
Water deprivation resulting from irrigation works upstream of the project area adversely affecting land availability for agriculture and fish production.

The solutions

Implementation of integrated multi-pronged approach to re-afforestation combining shelterbelt, windbreak, woodlot and orchard creation with natural regeneration;
Forestry-management structures through policy and institutional development;
Soil stabilization through increasing overall vegetative cover and reducing wind speeds;
Implementing of afforestation activities to increase fuelwood and construction timber supplies and provide additional fodder;
Increasing agricultural productivity through shelterbelt development, community planting and agro-forestry extension work;
Community mobilization and involvement in afforestation activities, through:
incentives to key contact farmers in return for their involvement in project activities, outreach activities including Youth Foresters clubs in schools;
Awareness raising on the benefits of the project and dissemination of extension information;
Controlling access into shelterbelts by livestock and wood gatherers, through a system of forest guards.

The project achievements

Effective soil conservation and increased vegetative cover from well-maintained shelterbelts and woodlots and the regeneration of indigenous vegetation through farm-based activities;
Increased fuelwood and timber availability for use and sale;
Improved soil fertility and crop productivity through improved micro-climate and using manure which previously was used as fuel;
Increased incomes from sales of woodlot and orchard products, surplus crops, tree seedlings and local medicines;
Increased employment opportunities giving greater local purchasing power;
Improved health and nutrition;
Strengthened community organizations;
Greater availability of credit through farmers associations;
High awareness on need for soil conservation, enhancing crop productivity, and the various uses and value of introduced and indigenous species.

The overall achievements

Approach actively supported by all levels of Government through extension and training inputs, and credit schemes;
Integration of government bodies catalyzed through project activities;
Acceptance of the approach by conservative regional leaders (the Emirs);
Local decision-making control established and accepted by authorities;
Development of new federal policy for a decentralization of power over land resources to community level;
Replication by other farmers because of the ‘demonstration’ effect;
Spin-off benefits to the wider community in terms of housing stock improvements from the greater availability of construction materials; increased community driven water supplies and regional nutritional benefits from the consumption of fruit.

This project was implemented by the Nigerian Government (FORMECU) and local communities with funds from the WorldBank, the government and the project States.

Success Stories: Africa