By Maryam Shuaibu
Representatives of the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have gathered in Yola, Adamawa State, to develop new strategies for implementing ecosystem services programmes across Northern Nigeria.
The three-day meeting, titled Stakeholders’ Engagement and Knowledge Enhancement Session, was organised by the Adamawa State Government, the World Bank and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Adamawa State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Chinda, said the initiative aims to tackle environmental degradation and promote sustainable land management practices.
According to him, the payment for ecosystem services model was first introduced in the Amazon region about two decades ago to address rising deforestation caused by farming activities.
“The government in the Amazon observed significant forest loss over time due to agricultural activities. That led to support for ecosystem services programmes designed to encourage conservation,”he said.
He explained that the scheme rewards farmers for planting and nurturing trees, helping to restore degraded land and reduce environmental damage.
He noted that Adamawa is currently the only state in Nigeria implementing two pilot ecosystem services projects.
The projects are located in Girei and Numan Local Government Areas.
“We provide tree seedlings to farmers and support them with stipends to maintain the trees. This helps control deforestation, reduce erosion and improve soil fertility,” he said.
He added that several commercial banks have shown interest in supporting the programme, a move expected to expand participation and attract more private sector and civil society involvement.
According to him, trees play a vital role in regenerative agriculture by improving soil quality, enhancing water retention, supporting biodiversity and absorbing carbon emissions.
“Strategic tree planting within farmlands creates a more resilient agricultural system. It improves productivity while restoring ecosystem health,” he added.
Experts stress conservation and security benefits
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Project Manager of the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), David Peter, said the engagement would strengthen efforts to address environmental challenges and improve conservation outcomes.
Mr Peter, who oversees the management of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, said effective management of protected areas could also contribute to improved security.
He argued that properly managed national parks would make it more difficult for criminal groups to use forest reserves and conservation areas as hideouts.
“If other national parks are managed effectively, criminal elements will have fewer opportunities to operate within protected areas,” he said.
He explained that the ANI Foundation is committed to protecting Africa’s biodiversity while transforming conservation areas into sustainable economic assets that benefit local communities.