The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has concluded a two-day training for 200 farmers and youths from 10 communities in Maja-kura, Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State on sustainable agroforestry practices.
The initiative, which ended on Tuesday, was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility–Small Grants Programme (GEF–SGP) Nigeria, and executed by the Action for Community Foundation (ACF).
Speaking at the closing session, Harry Hanson, the project representative, said the training focused on tree nursery establishment, soil conservation, and sustainable agroforestry techniques to help farmers adopt climate-resilient practices. He explained that the project also included the distribution of tree nursery tools and indigenous seeds to support the creation of 10 community nurseries that are expected to raise over 10,000 indigenous seedlings for planting in 2026.
“The intervention seeks to empower Maja-kura farmers and youths to improve crop yield, income generation, and environmental restoration through sustainable agroforestry,” Mr Hanson said.
He added that specialists, including an entomologist, soil scientist, and agroforestry expert, were engaged to train participants on pest management, soil identification and management, and tree nursery operations.
Items distributed to the 10 beneficiary communities included 10 wheelbarrows, 20 shovels, 20 hand trowels, 20 head pans, 20 watering cans, and 50 bags of manure weighing 100kg each. Other materials were 20kg of neem seeds, 20kg of acacia sayel seeds, 20kg of Parkia biglobosa seeds, and 10,000 polybags.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the ward head of Maja-kura community, Lawan Abdu, commended NCF, UNDP/GEF–SGP Nigeria, and ACF for what he described as a timely initiative to improve agricultural productivity and restore degraded ecosystems. He assured that the communities would use the training and materials to promote sustainable farming and environmental protection.