NAERLS leads tree planting for ‘Resilience Campaign’ in Kaduna
The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, has launched a tree planting and agroforestry campaign in Kaduna State aimed at mitigating climate change and improving the resilience of smallholder farmers.
The campaign, themed Tree Planting for Resilience, was officially flagged off on 28th July 2025 at Government Secondary School, Kakeyi, Zaria, under the AGRA Kaduna Consortium Grant (April 2024 – September 2025). The initiative is supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), EcoClimate Foundation, and other partners.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, the Director of NAERLS, Professor Yusuf Sani, said the campaign was a timely intervention considering the alarming rate of deforestation across the country. He warned against indiscriminate tree felling for firewood and charcoal without adequate replanting.
If you cut down one tree, you are expected to plant five in return, he stressed, urging stakeholders to actively participate in sustaining the project.
Also speaking, the Principal Investigator, Professor C. K. Daudu, explained that the campaign is designed to address the increasing impact of climate change, particularly in farming communities. He noted that over 200,000 trees had already been planted in public institutions across the state including schools and hospitals, with more expected to follow.
He stated that the project promotes agroforestry by encouraging the planting of trees that offer both environmental and economic benefits. Through a partnership with TRIVE Agric, he revealed, farmers now have access to credit facilities tied to the number of trees they plant, along with training on how to maximize the benefits of these resources.
Representatives of the Emir of Zazzau, Kaduna State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Zaria Local Government Council were present at the event. They pledged full support for the campaign and emphasized the importance of community ownership to ensure sustainability.
The Sarki of Kakeyi, in his goodwill message, assured stakeholders that the community would take full responsibility for nurturing the trees, adding that 5,000 seedlings were distributed to farmers at the event.
The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Professor S. B. Abdul, described the project as an intergenerational investment. The students will be the major beneficiaries because they will live long enough to reap the fruits of these trees, he said.
Also speaking, the Director, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Professor Bashir Babaji, highlighted the ecological importance of trees, noting that they contribute to oxygen production and biodiversity and should be valued as natural assets.
The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, who described tree planting as a moral and religious obligation. Felling trees without replacement is both morally and religiously discouraged, he stated.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Head of Department of Soil Science, Professor Aisha, emphasized the vital role trees play in purifying the air and stabilizing the environment. She noted that trees act as natural filters by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality and mitigating the effects of greenhouse gases.
She further cautioned that unless viable alternatives to firewood and charcoal are provided, deforestation will persist as households continue to depend on trees for energy needs. Professor Aisha also echoed earlier sentiments about the long-term impact of the campaign, especially for young people. The event featured symbolic tree planting by dignitaries, including representatives of the Emir of Zazzau and the Vice-Chancellor, to demonstrate leadership commitment.
According to project documents presented at the event, the campaign will cover six Local Government Areas—Zaria, Sabon-Gari, Kachia, Kauru, Kudan, and Makarfi. The goal is to plant 200,000 trees across 375 hectares, including 38 hectares of woodlots, with an estimated 10,000 farmers as direct beneficiaries. The participation structure targets 25% men, 35% women, and 40% youth.
The project will also train 162 Community-Based Advisors (CBAs) and sensitize over 4,000 youths on environmental conservation.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (IDV)
Thursday, 31st July, 2025
