*ABU VC Warns Against Indiscriminate Tree Felling By Sani Aliyu, Zaria The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Kadu...
*ABU VC Warns Against Indiscriminate Tree Felling
By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Kaduna Consortium has launched an Agroforestry and Woodlot Project in Kakeyi Village, Zaria, aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land use practices.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Ahmed Adamu, emphasized the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling, describing it as a significant contributor to climate change and environmental degradation.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Prof. Sanusi Abdullahi Rafindadi, the Vice Chancellor urged members of the community to refrain from cutting down trees without official authorization or plans for replacement.
“Trees are life. They help control our environment and support human survival. Planting trees is not only beneficial in this world but also rewarding in the hereafter,” Prof. Adamu stated.
He stressed the need to protect and replenish natural resources, particularly in rural communities where environmental degradation continues to pose threats to livelihoods.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abubakar Buba, called on all tiers of government to allocate dedicated funds for agroforestry in their annual agricultural budgets.
Represented by Mr. Godwin J. Michael, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of mainstreaming climate-smart agriculture into state and national development plans.
“Regulatory support is necessary to simplify land-use approvals and provide incentives for tree planting,” he said.
He congratulated the project organizers, particularly under the leadership of Prof. Christogonus Daudu, for the successful launch of the initiative and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting sustainable ecosystems through modern agricultural practices.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Prof. Sani Yusuf, described agroforestry as an integrated approach to farming that blends trees and shrubs with crops and livestock for environmental, social, and economic gains.
“Agroforestry is a land-use system that promotes sustainable agriculture by increasing productivity, enhancing biodiversity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring land conservation,” he explained.
Prof. Yusuf added that agroforestry remains a viable solution to land degradation, especially in areas facing desertification, while also offering alternative sources of income for farming communities.
The AGRA Kaduna Consortium’s agroforestry project is expected to contribute to Kaduna State’s broader climate resilience goals while providing a replicable model for other regions seeking sustainable agricultural practices.
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