In a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Kano State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Nigeria has committed to restoring four million hectares of degraded lands for agricultural development.
Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, the ACReSAL Project Coordinator in Kano, revealed this commitment at the conclusion of a five-day training session for drivers of Delfino plough machines on land preparation for restoration in Kyale community, Gabasawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The restoration initiative, spearheaded by the ACReSAL project, entails a partnership with FAO to restore one million hectares of degraded land, with the technical support of FAO aimed at restoring 350,000 hectares of land.
Dr. Hashim announced the commencement of the restoration process, with plans to restore over 10,000 hectares of degraded lands across the state. The initiative includes training drivers to operate Delfino plough machines effectively, which will be utilized for land restoration activities.
Under the ACReSAL project, the Kano State Government has identified more than 10,000 hectares of degraded land slated for restoration, which will subsequently be allocated to farmers for cultivation. Furthermore, farmers will be provided with essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, and other necessary resources to enhance food production.
The restoration program also aims to address environmental concerns by planting trees on the restored lands, contributing to deforestation mitigation and climate change resilience efforts.
Earlier, Precious Agbeso, the FAO Focal Person, reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting countries in enhancing food production and security. The collaboration with the Nigerian government aims to recover 350,000 hectares of degraded land across the 19 northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The utilization of the Delphino machine, specifically designed for land restoration operations, underscores the innovative approach adopted in the restoration initiative. Training sessions for machine operators are deemed essential to ensure seamless operation and the achievement of restoration goals.
This restoration initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader agricultural development agenda, aiming to enhance food security, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable land management practices.
REF: Zawya
