SEO Riders:
– NAGGW’s Date Palm Seedling Distribution in Northern Nigeria
– Combating Desertification through Afforestation Initiatives
– Economic Empowerment via Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria
In a strategic move to address desertification and stimulate economic growth, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has initiated the distribution of five million date palm seedlings across 11 northern Nigerian states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. This initiative aims to rehabilitate degraded lands, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Director-General Saleh Abubakar highlighted the economic potential of date cultivation, noting that each tree can yield fruits worth approximately ₦1 million annually. With each beneficiary receiving 20 seedlings, individuals could potentially earn up to ₦20 million per year once the trees mature in about four years. The overarching goal is to inject over ₦300 billion into Nigeria’s economy through date exports.
The seedlings are being sourced from Jigawa State, renowned for its thriving date production. NAGGW has partnered with local entities like Suleiman Farms and Agro-Allied Company Limited to ensure the quality and sustainability of the seedlings. This collaboration underscores the agency’s commitment to leveraging local resources and expertise in combating environmental degradation.
Beyond economic benefits, the initiative is a critical component of Nigeria’s broader afforestation efforts under the Great Green Wall program. By establishing shelterbelts and promoting tree planting, NAGGW aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and land degradation, thereby fostering a more resilient and sustainable environment.
