Climate-smart practices key to ending desertification in Yobe – NEAZDP Manager
In this interview with The Syndicate Correspondent Muhammad Maitela in Damaturu, the Programme Manager, Mulima Idi Mato, speaks on the achievements and challenges of the agency and its impact on the benefiting communities.
My name is Mulima Idi Mato, from Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. I completed my basic education in Geidam and then proceeded to Ramat Polytechnic for my Diploma in Agriculture in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Subsequently, I attended the University of Maiduguri where I earned my B.Sc. in Agriculture, specializing in Soil Science. I also went further to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi to study Soil Science at an advanced level as a Master’s student in 2010. I then proceeded to earn my PhD in the same institution, which I completed recently.
As Programme Manager North East Arid Zone Development Programme, what are the key activities under the programme?
You know, the reason why the NEAZDP was set up in the first place is to combat the man-made and natural causes of desertification. This is one objective of the programme. Secondly, it was set up to change the attitudes of people toward the environment in the arid zone part of the state, covering the nine local governments of the programme, that is, Yunusari, Gaidam, Bursari, Bade, Jakusko, Yusufari, Karasuwa, Nguru, and Machina.
On the other hand, the North East Arid Zone Development Programme is set out to change the attitudes of the people toward their environment because the environment is an arid environment, which is a bit difficult to live in compared to other agroecological environments that are not arid, such as the semi-arid, the Savannah, the Sudan, and the Guinea Savannah has appreciable amount of rainfall compared to the arid zone, which is a dry area. That is why we often urge people to have a positive attitude toward the environment in the region, and that is one of the missions of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme.
The third mission of NEAZDP, or its objective, also includes improving the local infrastructure of the communities in those areas by using appropriate technology and simple tools to enhance their livelihoods, especially in agriculture.
At the same time, NEAZDP also aims to improve healthcare services and education for the people at the grassroots. In this regard, the North East Arid Zone Development Programme collaborates with primary healthcare centers across the nine LGAs, where traditional birth attendants are trained regularly to reduce maternal mortality in those areas.
How do you engage with the local communities to meet these objectives?
You know, the Programme has a very extensive network of skilled workers and has what we call development area promoters; it also has village area promoters, and 18 development area promoters. The NEAZDP is working in about 342 villages, providing agricultural extension services, health extension services, and providing educational extension services. So, this network of development area promoters and village area promoters are across the nine LGAs of the programme. These are the networks that NEAZDP uses to extend all the messages, all the extension services, and all the improved agricultural practices that we want people to adopt, as well as all the environmental issues that we want people to understand and have their mindsets changed towards. This is the channel we are using to reach out to the people, to the local communities.
The programme is very extensive in these areas, and everyone is aware of what NEAZDP has done in the past years.
How do you address issues of water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited infrastructure in the nine LGAs?
As I mentioned earlier, the three issues you mentioned are among the objectives of NEAZDP, which aims to curtail soil degradation and address the general climate problem in that arid environment by changing people’s attitude towards it. People are always advised to change their behaviour regarding trees and forests in their areas, and to avoid cutting down live trees. They should reduce deforestation as much as possible due to its effects on climate. In an arid environment, when there are no trees and insufficient forest cover, this contributes to climate change and significantly impacts global warming, which also affects the arid regions. They are also advised on how to halt and combat desertification.
In this respect, the NEAZDP has been actively involved in various projects, including oasis development, woodlot development, and the erection of shelterbelts. Traditionally, NEAZDP is known for establishing shelterbelts across the arid zones of Yobe State. Additionally, the programme is recognised for developing woodlots, which, after a certain period, enables communities to meet their woodlot demands within their environment.
Oases are also spread across the Yobe arid zone, with notable locations in Yusufari, Yunusari, Machina, and Karasuwa. However, these oases are under threat from desertification, causing them to shrink over time.
To address this, NEAZDP aims to develop these oases by establishing plantations, including date palm plantations and economic tree plantations, to protect them from the encroaching sand dunes.
In which areas do you require support either from Yobe State Government, European Union, NGOs, and other partners?
NEAZDP seeks support from the Yobe State Government, European Union, NGOs, and international organizations to fulfill its mission and vision. Key areas of focus include the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and the promotion of cleaner energy sources. For instance, transitioning from firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas for cooking can significantly reduce deforestation. NEAZDP plans to launch a campaign promoting the use of LPG across its programme area. This initiative will involve engaging traditional institutions and nine local government areas of NEAZDP, including the Emirs of Ngazargamu, Bade, Yusufari, Nguru, and Machina, to encourage communities to adopt cleaner energy alternatives.
How is NEAZDP collaborating with various stakeholders?
The Yobe State Government is the owner of NEAZDP, and is committed to supporting the programme. Since the inauguration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni on May 29, there has been a renewed commitment to reviving NEAZDP. The state government is actively working to restore the programme to its former glory.
Additionally, NEAZDP is collaborating with partners such as the Great Green Wall, North East Development Commission, and European Union countries to secure funding and technical support. These efforts aim to ensure the programme’s sustainability and effectiveness.
What are your long-term plans?
NEAZDP is currently developing a three-year strategic plan. Over the next three years, the programme aims to establish at least one solid shelterbelt and one oasis development project in each of the nine local government areas under it. A key component of this plan is the deployment of thousands of LPG cylinders to local governments to reduce reliance on firewood and curb deforestation.
NEAZDP is also advocating for the adoption of windmill technology to power boreholes in rural areas, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered pumps. Furthermore, the programme plans to introduce climate-smart agricultural practices, such as hydroponics and deep irrigation, tailored to the arid conditions of Yobe State.
What new technologies are you introducing to enhance the effectiveness of the programme?
NEAZDP will introduce innovative technologies to enhance the programme’s effectiveness. Windmill technology will be deployed to power boreholes, replacing diesel-powered systems that are no longer affordable. The programme will begin by installing a windmill-powered borehole at its headquarters.
Additionally, NEAZDP is promoting the use of LPG for cooking and encouraging local governments councils to acquire LPG cylinders for distribution to communities. These efforts aim to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable energy use. In the long term, NEAZDP plans to implement advanced climate-smart practices, including hydroponics and deep irrigation, to improve agricultural productivity in the arid zone.
What challenges are you facing in the delivery of the goals of NEAZDP?
As the Programme Manager of NEAZDP, one of the biggest challenge is the programme’s prolonged inactivity and funding constraints. The morale of the staff has been low, and there is a need to boost their motivation. This would give us the chance to effectively deliver on our mandate.
Many staff members are hired on a casual or contract basis, as such there is need for the state government to absorb them into the civil service to provide them job security and improve their morale.
Addressing these challenges is critical to reviving NEAZDP and achieving its objectives.
