The Kano state government says northern Nigeria has been prone to desertification, with encroachment rates of about 10 kilometers per decade, a period spanning for over 50 years.
Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the executive governor of the state disclosed this at a 2-day seminar for stakeholders organized by Agro-climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) themed: awareness and enlightenment campaign about the activities of ACReSAL, Kano, held in Kano on Tuesday.
Yusuf represented by his deputy Comrade Aminu Abdussalam said land degradation, coupled with insufficient annual rainfall, has led to decreased food production and, at times, famine, as witnessed in 1973/74, which affected the northern fringes of the now states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno.
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According to him,” recognizing the importance of ACreSAL, our administration, since its inception in May 2023, has prioritized this project. We identified the need to appoint an experienced environmental and climate change specialist to serve as the project coordinator. Additionally, the state executive council approved the release of 500 million Naira as counterpart funding to enable the state to access the required support from the World Bank. This funding is crucial for executing climate-smart agricultural projects, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing water resources for smooth irrigation activities in Kano State.”
“Although at the inception of this administration we had challenges with the management of the national ACRESAL project which His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been able to resolve, I am proud to highlight some of the achievements recorded so far by the ACRESAL project; Maintenance of Yan’sabo dam in Tofa Local Government; Planting of 3 million trees as part of our sustained efforts to mitigate the climate crisis; Provision of support to Yusuf Maitama Sule University with laboratory equipment for soil and water analysis and solarization of the laboratory for steady power supply; Conduct of statewide drainage clearance to avert the threat of floods within Kano State metropolis,” Aminu said.
According to the deputy governor, the state government is currently undertaking a project on restoration of 350 hectares of degraded land at Gamawa and Kyalai towns in Gabasawa Local Government as well as at Gwarmai in Ghari Local Government area.
He said “work is ongoing for restoration of 350 hectares of degraded land at Gamawa and Kyalai towns in Gabasawa Local Government, we are undertaking erosion control measures at Bulbula Gayawa in Ungogo Local Government, erosion control at Kauyen Alu in Tarauni Local Government, construction of Dam at Fajewa town in Takai Local Government and construction of Dam at Yar’titi town in Shanono Local Government.”
He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in this seminar, share their insights, and collaborate towards the successful implementation of the ACreSAL project.
In a remark, the Kano state commissioner of environment and climate change Alhaji Nasiru Sule Garo said his ministry is working to revive a portion of land for agricultural and rearing livestock for the benefit the communities.
The commissioner said the project which focused on combating the problem of climate change and desertification and improving dams in the state have recorded a lot of success.
“ACReSAL Project has made remarkable progress over the past year. This success would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts of all involved. the innovative approaches and sustainable practices you have implemented are exemplary and provide a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges to emulate,” said Garo.
He commended the state government for its support to the ministry and the project by extension.
Also speaking, the ACReSAL project coordinator in Kano Dr. Dahiru Hashim assured their commitment in taking all measures to address environmental challenges in the state.
He solicits the supports of four emirates councils in the state to achieved the set target.