10,000 hectares set for recovery as Kwara Agro-Climatic project tackles land degradation
The Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) has intensified its land restoration efforts across communities in the state, with a target of reclaiming 10,000 hectares of degraded land in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
During recent inspection visits to Shonga in Edu Local Government, Gidan Magajiya in Baruten, and Kaiama in Kaiama LGA, the KWACReSAL team, alongside representatives of the Focal NGO (FoNGO), expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far. Many of the newly planted seedlings were reported to be thriving, while additional areas were identified for improvement.
Speaking after the tour, Kwara ACReSAL FAO Desk Officer, Ms. Lola Ajayi, said the positive results were linked to a capacity-building training conducted by FAO in July, where participating states learned modern land restoration techniques.
“We have cascaded most of the lessons from the training down to our local communities, and the results are evident. Our expectation is that the restoration efforts will continue to yield even better outcomes,” she said.
Officials stressed that the initiative, which focuses on replanting, soil recovery, and community engagement, will help improve food security, boost soil fertility, strengthen water retention, and mitigate climate change.
The Natural Resources Officer, Mallam Hussein Salihu, cautioned residents against indiscriminate tree cutting, warning that such practices undermine environmental sustainability.
At Gidan Magajiya, the leader of the Fulani community, Mallam Abubakar Gidado, praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the ACReSAL project, and FAO for bringing what he described as “huge development” to their community, pledging continued support and monitoring.
Other members of the KWACReSAL team on the visits included the Social Livelihood Officer, Mr. Adebayo Sanni, and the Agric Officer, Mrs. Khadijat Oke.
