In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient practices, the Gombe State Government has distributed over 20,000 seedlings to farmers across the state.
The Gombe State Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar announced this during the distribution exercise held in Gombe.
Professor Abubakar highlighted that climate change has become a global concern with devastating consequences for many, particularly livestock farmers who rely on natural resources.
“Climate change is a global crisis that disproportionately affects livestock farmers. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant decline in fodder and pastureland due to desertification, erosion, and land degradation. The increasingly harsh climate, with soaring temperatures, poses significant challenges to livestock productivity across the country, including Gombe State.”
Having learned about the devastating effects of climate change on livestock farming, the L-PRES Project initiated a distribution of tree seedlings to farmers as a mitigation strategy.
He revealed that so far the project has distributed over 20,000 seedlings of mostly economic tress of various species to include, guava, pawpaw, moringa, eucalyptus, garden neem among others.
He noted “the seedlings, which include various tree and forage species, will provide much-needed shade, fodder, erosion control and additional food sources for farmers, ultimately reducing costs and increasing income”.
He explained that the distribution of tree seedlings is an ongoing initiative undertaken to create sustainable grazing lands and reduce farmers’ reliance on dwindling natural resources in Gombe State.
Prof U. B. further explained that the initiative aligns with the state government’s mission under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya which is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of the livestock sector, commending the governor for his support to the L-PRES Project.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Yahaya Modibbo, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Ardo Cindo Abubakar, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and Ahmad Bello, State Chairman of Jonde Jam, expressed their gratitude and pledged to nurture the seedlings and use them to improve their livestock businesses.
