In a bold move towards sustainability and economic growth, IDH and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) are excited to announce the launch of an initiative to plant 5,000 trees in Jigawa State.
This flag-off of this project, which was held on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, at Andaza, Jigawa state, was launched by His Excellency, Mal UMAR A. NAMADI, the Governor of Jigawa State.
In attendance was the Deputy Governor, Jigawa state; Engr. Aminu Usman, the Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Aliyu, Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Nura Doka, alongside several high-ranking leadership of the Jigawa State Government, Members & leadership of FMAN, and her partner IDH.
Seedlings of Mango (Mangifera indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), and Citrus (Citrus spp.) trees have been selected as the preferred choices due to their longevity (20-40 years) and immense economic value.
They noted that these trees will serve multiple purposes, acting as windbreakers to protect farmland from erosion and desertification, while also providing fruit production, high nutritional value, and significant economic potential. Additionally, they noted that the trees would offer benefits such as agroforestry applications, which integrate trees and agriculture to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The economic impact of this initiative is profound. These trees will generate new income streams for local farmers, bolstering the regional economy and contributing to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.
The introduction of these fruit-bearing trees will foster the development of agro-industries, create employment opportunities, and improve community livelihoods. FMAN noted that it has been dedicated to farmer empowerment in Jigawa for over three years, supporting more than 10,000 farmers with input loans through its outgrower scheme and training over 30,000 farmers on wheat production..
“This tree planting initiative is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and economic empowerment,” said Aliyu Samaila, Head, Value Chain Development of FMAN.
“We are thrilled to partner with IDH to bring lasting environmental and economic benefits to Jigawa State and Nigeria.”