FG Tackles Challenges on Combating Desertification and Improving the Livelihood of the Affected Areas

The Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) Dr. Bukar Hassan said the Federal Government through the Agency has put in place a long-term plan in combating desertification and also improving the livelihood of the citizens in the affected areas.

He stated this last week in an interview with National Television Authority (NTA) in Abuja.

Dr Hassan said the Agency has reviewed its performances since inception and decided that a long-term plan would best match the remedy needed to combat land degradation and desertification as well as improve the livelihoods of the people living in the region.  He added that the concept of the Great Green Wall (GGW) project was to find a balance between, land-based management projects, and sustainability projects hence the long-term plan to adequately address it.

According to the DG, the Agency has identified factors that have affected previous projects and also identified what approach and measures to be used in harnessing and addressing them.

He added that strengthening collaboration with State and Local Governments, as well as development partners is ongoing to ensure sustainable projects implementation. He said sensitization and training of youths and women in the communities have commenced in an attempt to educate and enlighten them of the devastating effects of desertification both on the land and the livelihood of the inhabitants of the communities.

Bukar disclosed that a five-year strategic plan has been developed to adequately tackle land degradation and desertification as well as enhance the livelihood of the affected communities. He said the five-year strategic plan would address the issues of natural resource management; sustainable agriculture production system including livestock production, agro-forestry, and farmer-managed Natural Regeneration of trees as well as the development of rural economic base and infrastructure.

He added that the five-year strategic plan would aid the Agency to advance its mandate and strategic theme of improving the livelihoods of the affected communities and adequately delivering on the Implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative

Mrs. Pauline Sule

Head (Press and Public Relations)

National Agency for the Great Green Wall