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By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Gombe State NEWMAP-EIB Project has hosted officials of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Dadin Kowa Experimental Station, on a courtesy visit aimed at establishing a strategic partnership on environmental reclamation, tree planting and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of Station, NIHORT Dadin Kowa Experimental Station, Mr. Nasiru M. Usman, expressed the Institute’s interest in collaborating with the NEWMAP-EIB Project to address climate-induced land degradation, gully erosion and the growing need to strengthen food security.
Mr. Usman stressed the importance of propagating climate-resilient crops and indigenous tree species, particularly those facing the threat of extinction, saying the initiative would help conserve vital genetic resources while restoring the environment.
He also highlighted the need to train communities in plant production to improve tree and crop productivity, while creating additional economic opportunities and strengthening household livelihoods.
Responding, the Gombe State NEWMAP-EIB Project Coordinator, Dr. Shittu Whanda Ja’afaru, said tree planting had received strong attention under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, describing it as a key component of the state’s environmental sustainability efforts.
According to him, the Governor’s commitment to environmental protection aligns with the project’s guiding motto, “Adapting Today, Safeguarding Tomorrow.”
Dr. Ja’afaru stressed that tree planting should go beyond meeting numerical targets, insisting that the exercise must produce visible and sustainable environmental benefits.
He also called for the planting of both indigenous and exotic tree species suited to the local environment.
The Project Coordinator further emphasized the importance of structured training and public sensitization programmes to equip communities with practical knowledge on tree planting and environmental protection.
He noted that such interventions would help communities respond effectively to the effects of climate change, including land degradation, gully erosion, irregular rainfall and declining soil fertility.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to exploring areas of collaboration between NEWMAP-EIB and NIHORT to promote environmental restoration, climate resilience and improved livelihoods across communities in Gombe State.
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