More than 700,000 farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, and Bauchi states have received over 21 million tree seedlings as part of a major environmental support program.

The initiative, driven by One Acre Fund Nigeria, aims to help smallholder farmers combat the effects of climate change on their farmlands. The seedlings include species like Albizia lebbeck, Moringa oleifera, and Parkia biglobosa, which offer multiple benefits to agriculture and the environment.

The distribution exercise, flagged off in Agunji community in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, is designed to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and provide additional income sources for farmers.

Trees planted today are expected to help trap carbon, regulate rainfall patterns, and protect crops from strong winds. Officials urged beneficiaries to plant and nurture the seedlings properly to maximize their advantages.

Climate change has been causing serious problems for farmers in these states, including depleted soil nutrients and unpredictable weather.

The tree distribution program is seen as a practical solution to these challenges, helping to sustain food production and improve livelihoods. Farmers who received the seedlings expressed gratitude and promised to make good use of them.

One Acre Fund Nigeria, a social enterprise supporting smallholder farmers, continues to expand its reach with inputs, training, and services.

The organization’s Trees Lead, Zainab Haruna, highlighted the long-term environmental benefits of planting more trees. Local field directors also encouraged participants to avoid selling the seedlings and focus on growing them for future gains.

This large-scale distribution is expected to contribute to better environmental management and increased agricultural productivity in the three states. As more farmers adopt the practice, the program could serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate-related difficulties. The effort reflects a growing commitment to sustainable farming practices that benefit both people and the planet.

Photo credit: GHR Westmids