FAO, ACReSAL launches program to help strengthen food systems in Borno’s communities...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, launched a five-day climate-smart land restoration program in Borno State.

The initiative, in partnership with the Federal Project Management Unit under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, is aimed at strengthening environmental resilience and helping communities adapt to climate change.

A high-level FAO team led by Project Team Lead, Engineer Agbesor Precious, is spearheading the initiative across local government areas.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, who pledged his support and approved a parcel of land for seedling plantations. In a symbolic gesture, the FAO team was also dressed in traditional Kanuri attire.

At Bama and Mafa, the team inspected plantation sites, including a 152-acre project where some seedlings required improvement, and a 159-hectare restoration area where neem trees planted with Dalfino technology showed promising growth.

Mafa Council Chairman Sunusi Mustapha and ACReSAL Representative Bukar Madu Goba expressed full support for the restoration efforts.

In Maiduguri, a workshop brought together farmers from Bama and Mafa for hands-on training in land restoration, tree planting, and sustainable land care. The FAO praised the enthusiasm of participants and stressed the importance of community-driven solutions in tackling climate change.

The FAO-ACReSAL partnership marks a significant stride in restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening food systems, and building resilience in Borno’s communities.

Organizers say the program will serve as a model for sustainable land restoration across other semi-arid regions in Nigeria.