In the vast land of northern Bauchi State, where the encroaching Sahara Desert threatens livelihoods, an ambitious environmental and social initiative is taking root. The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has been planting trees and empowering communities to help combat desertification, restore degraded land, and uplift lives in the face of environmental and economic challenges.
The NAGGW established vast tree-planting belts and agroforestry projects across communities such as Zaki, Gamawa, Misau, Bauchi, Dass, Ningi, Toro, Jama’are and Katagum. Millions of seedlings of drought-resistant tree species, including neem, date and acacia, have been planted. These trees act as windbreaks, improve soil fertility, and provide shade, a critical buffer against desert encroachment.
For Amina Suleiman, a 45-year-old farmer in Gamawa, the intervention has been life-changing. “Before the Great Green Wall, my farm was barely productive. The land was dry, and erosion washed away what little I planted,” she said, her voice tinged with relief.
She added, “Now, with the trees and the knowledge we’ve gained, we can farm better. My maize and millet yields have doubled.”
The initiative’s scope extends beyond tree planting. The agency has established orchards and provided communities with high-value fruit trees, such as mangoes and guavas, in different parts of Bauchi State. These trees not only generate income but also address nutritional deficiencies.
“I never thought I’d be earning money from selling fruits,” said Aliyu Musa, a beneficiary. “I’ve made over N200,000 in the last two years from my guava harvest.”
Central to the NAGGW’s mission is the empowerment of women and youth, who are often the most vulnerable to environmental challenges. Through skills acquisition programmes, the NAGGW has trained women in Bauchi State in sustainable livelihood activities such as gardening, soap-making, beekeeping, and poultry farming.
Halima Ahmed, a widow in Zaki, is one such beneficiary. “I was struggling to feed my children after my husband’s death. Joining the empowerment programme changed my life. With the income, I’ve been able to send my children to school and even save a little,” she said, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
Similarly, youth groups have been supported with tools and funding to engage in agroforestry and other green enterprises. Yusuf Abdullahi, a 27-year-old from Katagum, shared his journey. “I used to migrate to the city to find work, but now, with the support from the GGW, I’ve started my own tree nursery business. It’s sustainable and profitable.”
The success of the Great Green Wall hinges on active community involvement. Traditional leaders, community leaders, religious leaders, farmers, and residents have been mobilised to take ownership of the projects. Regular training sessions and awareness campaigns emphasise the importance of environmental conservation.
“The approach is inclusive,” explained Hadiza Mohammed, Bauchi State Field Officer. “We don’t just plant trees and leave. We ensure the community understands their role in nurturing these trees and sustaining the ecosystem.”
“We need more support to expand this programme,” said Hadiza. “The benefits are immense, but the scale of desertification requires a much larger investment.”
This sense of ownership has been instrumental in reducing tree mortality rates. Across Bauchi State, community members have formed vigilante groups to protect plantations from grazing animals and illegal logging.
Still, the impact on local communities is undeniable. As Amina Suleiman, a beneficiary in Bauchi, aptly put it, “The trees are not just for us. They are for our children and their children. This is about securing our future.”
As the desert retreats and livelihoods flourish, the transformation unfolding in Bauchi State is a testament to the power of collective action and visionary leadership. The Great Green Wall is more than a line of trees; it is a lifeline for the people of northern Nigeria, a beacon of hope in the face of environmental adversity.
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