Tree planting in Nigeria: An environmental and socio-economic outcomes

Planting trees is one of Nigeria’s prominent climate action strategies, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while addressing environmental degradation. Nigeria, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to arid savannas, faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. A critical analysis of tree planting as a climate […]

Planting trees is one of Nigeria’s prominent climate action strategies, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change while addressing environmental degradation. Nigeria, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to arid savannas, faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity.

A critical analysis of tree planting as a climate action in Nigeria, supported by relevant statistics, reveals both its potential benefits and limitations.

Nigeria’s environmental issues are exacerbated by a combination of rapid population growth, industrial activities, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The country has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nigeria lost an average of 410,000 hectares of forest annually between 2000 and 2010, a deforestation rate of 3.67% per year. This alarming trend contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, and loss of habitat for wildlife.

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Tree planting is a recognised method for carbon sequestration, as trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.

In Nigeria, various tree-planting initiatives aim to restore degraded lands, enhance biodiversity, and support rural livelihoods. These initiatives include governmental programmes, non-governmental organisation (NGO) projects, and community-based efforts.

The Nigerian government has launched several programmes to combat deforestation and promote reforestation. One notable initiative is the National Afforestation Programme, which aims to plant millions of trees annually. In 2019, the Federal Ministry of Environment announced plans to plant 25 million trees as part of efforts to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

NGOs and local communities also play a crucial role in tree-planting efforts. Organisations like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Green Africa Foundation are actively involved in reforestation projects. Community participation is vital, as it ensures the sustainability of these projects by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local populations.

Trees are effective carbon sinks. According to the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), a mature tree can absorb approximately 22 kilograms of CO2 per year. Large-scale tree planting in Nigeria could significantly offset the country’s carbon emissions. For instance, planting 25 million trees could potentially sequester 550,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, assuming each tree absorbs 22 kilograms of CO2.

Nigeria’s northern regions are particularly vulnerable to desertification, which threatens agricultural productivity and food security. The Great Green Wall initiative, an African Union-led project involving Nigeria, aims to create a green belt across the Sahel to combat desertification. Tree planting is a core component of this project, helping to stabilize the soil, reduce wind erosion, and improve water retention.

Tree planting also aids in biodiversity conservation by providing habitats for various species. Restoring forested areas can help protect endangered species and maintain ecological balance. In Nigeria’s Cross River State, for example, reforestation efforts are crucial for the survival of primates like the critically endangered Cross River gorilla.

Tree planting can provide socio-economic benefits by creating jobs in nurseries, planting, and maintenance. It also supports agroforestry practices, which can enhance agricultural productivity and provide additional income streams for rural communities. According to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), agroforestry can increase crop yields by up to 50% in some cases.

One of the significant challenges of tree planting in Nigeria is the high mortality rate of planted trees. Factors such as inadequate maintenance, poor species selection, and harsh climatic conditions contribute to low survival rates. Studies have shown that without proper care, up to 80% of planted trees can die within the first few years.

Land tenure is another critical issue that affects tree planting efforts. In many parts of Nigeria, land ownership is complex and often disputed, which can hinder long-term reforestation projects. Secure land tenure is essential for ensuring that communities can benefit from and are motivated to maintain tree-planting initiatives.

Adequate funding and resources are crucial for the success of large-scale tree planting projects. While there are various governmental and non-governmental funding sources, the scale of deforestation and land degradation in Nigeria requires substantial and sustained investment. Limited financial resources can impede the implementation and maintenance of tree-planting programs.

Effective monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure the success of tree-planting initiatives. However, in Nigeria, there is often a lack of comprehensive data and robust monitoring systems to track the progress and impact of these projects. This makes it difficult to assess the long-term benefits and Tree planting is a vital climate action strategy in Nigeria with the potential to deliver significant environmental, socio-economic, and ecological benefits. However, its effectiveness is contingent upon overcoming challenges such as high mortality rates, land tenure issues, inadequate funding, and insufficient monitoring. To maximize the impact of tree-planting initiatives, a multi-faceted approach is needed, involving governmental support, community engagement, and collaboration with NGOs and international partners.

Investing in education and capacity-building for local communities can enhance the sustainability of these projects. Additionally, adopting best practices in species selection, site preparation, and post-planting care can improve tree survival rates. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the benefits of tree planting, Nigeria can make substantial progress in mitigating climate change, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing the well-being of its people.

Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun is an environmental journalist and a Post graduate student of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ)