FAO,FPMU Teams lead seedlings replanting exercise in Taraba, recommend continuous re-engagement
Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
In the bid to restore Large scale lands in Taraba State with Timbre products,the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in conjunction with the ACReSAL Federal Project Management Unit Team today, led the replanting of seedlings at Nyala Community of Garba Chede,Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The exercise was conducted by the Taraba State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes ACReSAL to replace seedlings that couldn’t survive due to lack of proper spacing, use of immature seedlings, shallow pits, among other factors.
Remarking at the exercise, the UN’s FAO Team Lead, Dr. Precious Agbesor and his Federal Project Management Unit counterpart Mr.Cyril Bikom,commended the State ACReSAL Team for their tireless efforts in delivering on the core mandate of the project adding that, the success rate was impressive.
They sensitized the afforestation team on the basics of planting trees citing proper spacing/measurement, pit size/length, use of mature seedlings among others stating that, maintaining standard is very paramount to getting the right results.
“We have gone round those locations to assess and identify the gaps. In terms of success rate, we are comfortable where we are. The communities are also acceptable in sustaining the project but we believe that continuous re-engagement is the way forward,” he noted.
They however, advised the State to developed capacity in terms of monitoring the project while urging the communities to constantly take care of the investments by securing the sites to avoid cattle encroachment and other activities that may be harmful to the plants giving the fact that the seedlings are still tender.
On their parts, the Nyala Community applauded ACReSAL for finding their community worthy to benefit from the World Bank’s initiative and pledged full cooperation and support towards sustainability of the project.
Earlier in his remark, the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Yakubu Clement Giwa appreciated the National Teams for their visit stating that, their coming was very significant and impactful on the Project.
“Their visit marks a new wave in our Project because, they have taught us a lot of new innovations that benefits not just the project but individuals and communities.
“We have been here since morning together with the FAO and FPMU Teams,demonstrating what we hope to achieve. This exercise is important giving it’s impacts on this community and beyond. We are going to do follow up consistently to ensure the desired results, ” he said.
He however, thanked His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas for his continuous support towards implementation and sustainability of the Project. He also thanked the 3 line Commissioners for their resilience, Leadership and support.
Similarly, He commended Chief of Kam Chiefdom ,HRH Maigandi Manu Kaigama for his cooperation and support, further soliciting for more impactful partnership and collaborations.
