NGO Distributes 21 Million Tree Seedlings to Farmers Across Three States

NGO Distributes 21 Million Tree Seedlings to Farmers Across Three States

More than 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger and Bauchi states are set to benefit from the distribution of over 21 million free tree seedlings under a climate-smart agriculture initiative launched by One Acre Fund Nigeria.

The programme is designed to help farmers improve soil health, reduce the effects of climate change, combat land degradation and strengthen long-term agricultural productivity through agroforestry.

Speaking during the official launch of the 2026 Tree Distribution Programme in Agunji Community, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, One Acre Fund’s Trees Lead, Zainab Haruna, said the seedlings being distributed include Albizia lebbeck, Moringa oleifera and Parkia biglobosa—tree species selected for their environmental and agricultural benefits.

According to her, the initiative responds to the increasing challenges posed by climate change, including declining soil fertility, erosion, irregular rainfall and reduced crop yields affecting farming communities across Nigeria.

She explained that integrating trees into farming systems offers multiple benefits beyond environmental conservation.

“We encourage farmers to plant and nurture these seedlings because they improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, minimise flooding, create long-term economic value for farming households and contribute to reducing carbon emissions,” Haruna said.

She noted that trees play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change while improving local environmental conditions that support agricultural production.

Haruna added that increasing tree cover can contribute to healthier soils, better water retention and improved resilience against extreme weather events that have become more frequent due to climate change.

The Nasarawa State Trees Field Director for One Acre Fund Nigeria, Muhammad Lenfa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and strengthening farmers’ resilience through climate-smart interventions.

He urged beneficiaries to plant and properly manage the seedlings rather than selling them, noting that their long-term value far outweighs any short-term financial gains.

Lenfa explained that species such as Albizia lebbeck, a nitrogen-fixing leguminous tree, naturally improves soil fertility without requiring additional fertiliser while also serving as a windbreak that protects crops from strong winds.

He encouraged farmers to nurture the seedlings to maturity so they can provide lasting environmental and economic benefits to farming households.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Helen Jonathan expressed appreciation to One Acre Fund Nigeria for the intervention, describing the seedlings as a valuable resource that would help improve productivity and strengthen livelihoods in rural communities.

The tree distribution programme forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable farming practices, restore degraded landscapes and improve climate resilience among Nigeria’s smallholder farmers.

Commodity.ng Insight

Tree planting is becoming an increasingly important component of climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria. Beyond environmental conservation, agroforestry helps farmers improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, conserve moisture, provide shade for crops and livestock, and diversify farm income through timber, fruits, fodder and medicinal products.

As climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity, integrating trees into farming systems offers a practical and sustainable solution for improving resilience while protecting natural resources. Expanding initiatives like this, alongside improved access to extension services, climate information, irrigation and modern farming technologies, will play a critical role in securing Nigeria’s long-term food security and supporting more sustainable agricultural development.