Approximately 9,000 local farmers in Kwara State have received 90,000 free seedlings from One Acre Fund, a non-governmental organization, to enhance the environment, food nutrients, erosion control, and income generation in the state.
According to Team Lead Alfred Adzoyi, the project aims to boost the income of smallholder farmers in the state. Each farmer received 27 tree seedlings, which will help protect the environment and combat climate change.
The project also seeks to diversify farmers’ income and improve soil fertility. The tree species distributed were chosen for their quick growth rate, and their leaves can be used as fodder.
Additionally, the trees can help control soil erosion, fix nitrogen in the soil, and improve soil fertility, Adzoyi explained.
“Soil is improved if dropped; leaves are left to decompose; Shade for house and boundary marker. Provides nutrients for food. Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving soil fertility. Seeds can be sold to generate income.“Provides shade for crops. Has medicinal properties. Leaves and pods can be used as livestock feed.
Drought resistant”.Adzoyi said that One Acre Fund commenced operations in Kwara State six years ago, adding that the organization started in Niger State and planned to take the tree planting campaign to Nasarawa State.
“We’re only working with the small holder farmers alone by giving free tree seedlings to the farmers free of charge as each of the farmers are given 27 free tree seedlings,” he added.Also speaking, Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Babatunde Idris, said that the programme would help complement efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on environment.
He also said that the programme was capable of boosting smallholder farmers to be self-sufficient in terms of financial capabilities.Some beneficiaries of the project, Hajia Funmilayo Lawal and Musa Salau, as well as a community leader in the area, Chief Bello Samuel, praised the organizers for choosing their community for the event, saying that the project would impact well on their environment and their finances.