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FAO, ACReSAL partner to promote sustainable non-timber forest products value chain

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By Muazu Muhammad Sani, Bauchi

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has commenced a four-day training workshop aimed at developing value chains for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Bauchi.

The event, brings together key stakeholders to explore sustainable forestry practices and the role of NTFPs in boosting rural livelihoods across the 19 states covered by the ACReSAL project.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Engineer Precious Agbesor, representing FAO’s Country Representative, Dominic Koffy Kouakou, emphasized the significance of NTFPs in enhancing the livelihoods of rural households by providing income, food, and employment while contributing to the conservation of forests. “This training marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable forestry practices that not only protect our environment but also improve the livelihoods of communities,” Agbesor stated.

The FAO’s goal is to equip participants with practical skills to manage, harvest, and market NTFPs in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. “For us in FAO, we remain committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and forestry in Nigeria. Through workshops like this, we aim to create lasting impacts by empowering communities to harness the potential of their natural resources responsibly and effectively,” Agbesor added.

Malam Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, represented by the project’s Drought and Desertification Control Specialist, Ruth Oghale, also addressed the participants. He noted the workshop as a critical milestone in FAO’s technical assistance to restore 350,000 hectares of degraded landscapes under the ACReSAL project. “Non-timber forest products play a vital role in the livelihoods of millions, especially those in rural and forest-dependent communities. The sustainable development of NTFP value chains not only contributes to economic empowerment but also promotes environmental conservation and resilience,” he remarked.

Oghale further highlighted that over the next four days, participants will engage in hands-on training sessions covering critical topics such as sustainable harvesting practices, market development for NTFPs, and policy formulation aimed at promoting NTFP-based enterprises.

Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL Bauchi, represented by Engineer Mukhtar Yerima Giade, underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable outcomes. “The partnership between ACReSAL and FAO is a win-win for both parties. It is the backbone for achieving the project development objectives of landscape restoration and sustainable landscape management,” Giade said. He emphasized that the workshop serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and fostering partnerships to ensure the success of the ACReSAL project.

The training will include interactive sessions, group discussions, field visits, and exercises designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the NTFP value chain and its role in rural economic development and forest conservation.

The workshop is expected to conclude with actionable strategies that will support communities in leveraging NTFPs to improve their livelihoods, while also contributing to environmental sustainability across the semi-arid regions of Nigeria.

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