ACReSAL Plans 10 Million Trees To Transform Kano’s Landscape

Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, the Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, has revealed plans to plant over 10 million trees across Kano State over the next four years.

The endeavor aims to counter desertification, mitigate climate change effects, and foster agro-climatic resilience in the region.

Dr. Hashim, speaking in a recent interview with a local radio station, outlined a meticulous strategy to plant 2.5 million trees annually, commencing this year. Collaborating with Civil Society Organizations and other agencies, the initiative aims to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to afforestation, covering diverse geographical areas, including major metropolitan roads.

The project envisions these trees not only as a means to combat climate change but also as contributors to improved air quality, enhanced soil fertility, and reduced evapotranspiration rates. Dr. Hashim stressed the commitment of all stakeholders to overcome past challenges and achieve the set targets.

ACReSAL, a joint effort involving the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the governments of nineteen Northern states, seeks to address deforestation by providing fuel-efficient cooking stoves. Moreover, plans are underway to designate specific woodlots to confine logging activities, preventing further environmental degradation.

Dr. Hashim announced additional measures to boost food production, including the construction of a mini dam in Yan Sabo, Tofa Local Government Area, generating opportunities for over two thousand farmers. The initiative is also actively tackling uncontrolled sand mining, a dual threat to lives and the environment, while simultaneously addressing factors contributing to flooding.

To ensure the sustainability of their efforts, ACReSAL has procured cleaning and refuse evacuation tools, distributing them to self-help groups. These groups will play a crucial role in continuing and expanding the environmental initiatives initiated by the ACReSAL project, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the state’s ecological health and agricultural productivity.