The Federal Government has officially launched an agro-forestry campaign in Kwara State, aimed at expanding tree planting initiatives across the country. This campaign, part of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Green Hope Project, seeks to plant an additional 56,000 economic trees nationwide, following the successful planting of 5,000 trees during its initial phase.

The tree-planting exercise took place in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area, where Salman Ibrahim, Special Assistant on Projects to the NALDA Executive Secretary, represented Cornelius Adebayo. Ibrahim highlighted the involvement of approximately 400 youths who participated as volunteers and climate advocates during the first phase of the campaign. "Today marks the completion of the first phase of our Youth Agroforestry and Climate Action Campaign under the Green Hope Project," he stated.

The next phase of the initiative is set to engage over 2,000 young people, who will not only participate in planting exercises but also promote climate action within their communities. Ibrahim noted that NALDA currently manages 38 Open-Field Horticulture Clusters across Nigeria, with the trees serving as natural perimeter fencing and providing additional food and income opportunities for farmers.

The campaign focuses on planting various economic tree species, including mango, avocado, coconut, and fig, which will complement the production of crops such as tomatoes and okra. Ibrahim emphasized that these trees are not merely for aesthetic purposes; they are integral to enhancing agricultural productivity while restoring the environment.

In addition to the immediate agricultural benefits, NALDA is exploring partnerships with climate institutions to register the trees for potential carbon-credit opportunities. Ibrahim explained that each tree could contribute significantly to Nigeria's climate commitments, creating value beyond its agricultural use.

Youth participants, dubbed Green Hope Ambassadors, are expected to advocate for environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in their communities. This initiative aligns with NALDA's broader goals of food security, youth engagement, and environmental sustainability, with a target of planting one million economic trees by 2030.

Engr. Olusegun Owolabi, Senior Assistant Technical to the NALDA Chief Executive Officer, described the tree-planting campaign as an extension of the Open-Field Horticulture Programme, which aims to increase food production while creating economic opportunities. He pointed out that the incorporation of tree planting into agricultural clusters is essential for restoring vegetation and improving ecological balance.

Owolabi assured that NALDA would continue to monitor and support the horticulture sites post-planting, ensuring that trained farmers manage the farms and nurture the newly planted trees. He reiterated NALDA's commitment to remaining engaged with the communities involved in these initiatives, stating, "NALDA is the implementation arm of the federal government’s agricultural policies, so we do not plant and walk away."

The campaign follows a broader rollout of the Green Hope Project, which has already trained about 700 women in modern horticultural production techniques across various locations in Kwara State. With the successful planting of the initial trees and the ambitious plans for the future, the federal government is making strides towards enhancing agroforestry and promoting environmental resilience in Nigeria.