SPOTLIGHT ON ECO FRIENDS ACTIVITIES

ECOLOGICAL FRIENDLY IS IMPLEMENTING A COMMUNITY BASED PROJECT TITLED:ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY WOODLOTS IN FOUR SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF MASHEGU AND LAVUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NIGER STATE,NIGERIA,WITH FUNDING FROM GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY/SMALL GRANT PROGRAMME (“GEF/SGP”).

Project location: Mashegu  and Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

(Makera, Sabo Medina, Zugurma and Ibbi)

The project seek to stem the tide of biodiversity degradation and associated environmental impacts, while providing alternative fuel wood/timber and improving livelihood through sales of fruit crops.

To demonstrate that fast growing and drought resistant tree species (such as Detarium microcarpum, Vitellaria paradoxa, Afzelia africana, Daniellia oliveri ,Manila, cashew, mango, guava, orange, etc) can be planted to reduce dependence on the Protected Areas for fuel wood, reduce soil erosion and desert encroachment, provide timber and also increase income through sales of fruits. The establishment of community woodlots would serve as a model of community proactive response and initiative to the preservation of natural resources and further engender the creation of a resource base that meets the need of the people in the quest for a sustainable livelihood. The major activities earmarked for the project objectives include; Community sensitization and mobilization; recruitment of local community volunteers; nursery establishment; raising of indigenous fuelwood species in the nursery; land preparation; planting of fuelwood seedlings in permanent field plots; monitoring and post planting operations.