By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Project Coordinators (PCs) of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project from Twelve Northern states as well as Desk Officers and related NGOs have commenced a 5-day training on value chain development for non timber forest products management.
The workshop, holding is Bauchi was organised by Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO UN) in collaboration with the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of Agro-Climatic, Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL).
The training is for participants from Twelve Northern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara comprising ACReSAL PCs and FAO Desk Officers, Two Community Interests Groups and Two Focal NGOs under the ACReSAL operations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Koffy Dominique stated that, “This workshop 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 across the 19 States of the Acresal Project.”
Represented by Dr Precious Agbesor, Project Focal Point, the FAO UN Country Representative stressed that,”NTFPs are key resources for many rural households, providing food, income, and employment, while contributing to the conservation of our forests.”
According to him, “Today, we are gathered to strengthen our capacity to sustainably manage, harvest, and market these valuable resources.
This training has been designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge, that would enable you all to leverage NTFPs in ways that are economically beneficial while preserving biodiversity.”
Koffy Dominique added that,”For us in FAO, we remain committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and forestry in Nigeria. We recognize the critical role that NTFPs play in reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and supporting rural development.”
“Through workshops like this, we aim to create lasting impact by empowering communities to harness the potential of their natural resources responsibly and effectively,” he added.
He concluded by thanking all of the participants for their dedication to the cause saying,”I am confident that the discussions, learnings, and collaborations over the course of this workshop will lead to meaningful outcomes for the ACReSAL project.”
National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar stated that, “I am excited and delighted that we are finally here today after many attempts to get the workshop done.
Represented by Focal Person, Ruth Erezih, the ACReSAL NPC stressed that, “This event (Training) is aimed at developing a range of activities in the management of NTFPs in the ACReSAL implementation states.”
He disclosed that, “I am delighted that important milestone has been achieved, as prat of the technical assistance engagement of the FAO and support in the restoration of 350, 000 Hectares only of the 1,000,000 Hectares earmarked for the ACReSAL project.”
According to him,”This training marks an important step in our collective journey towards forest management and community livehood Improvement. We are all aware that non-timber forest produtos play a intal role in the livelihood of millions of People, particularly those dwelling in forest dependent communities.”
He stressed that, the Sustainable developinant & NTFPs value chain not only contributes to economic empowerment but environmental empowerment, also promotes environmental Conservation and resilience which are the key Components of the ACReSAL project.
Abdulhamid Umar added that Timber forest products play a vital role in biodiversity, eco friendly enterprises and generating income for rural Communities.
According to him, “In the next few days, we will delve into the tricacies of Non-timber forest products value chan development exploring topics such as possible markets for Non-timber forest products and marketing designs, developing a value chain plan, Sustainable harvesting practices, policy development for NTFPs.”
He stressed that,”Our expert facilitators will guide us through Interactive sessions, group discusseins and exercise and field Visit, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
“Let me once again encourage everyone of us here to partiapate actively, Share your experiances and network mith fellow colleagues from different states.
Our shared thoughts and perspectives will enrich our discussions and contribute to the success of this training,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Bauchi ACReSAL, Dr Ibrahim Kabir stated that, “We are gathered here today, to interact and brainstorm on the need to develop a suitamable value chair for NTFPS.”
He stressed that the training is a platform for impacting Knowledge, experience sharing of of ideas, fostering of partnership and target achievement.
According to him,”The significance of partnership cannot be over-emphasized expecially as it relates to the two organization with similar objectives and targets. The partnership between FAO and ACReSAL is a win-win for both parties and everyone else involved.”
Ibrahim Kabir stressed further that, “It also serves as the way for achieving the PDO of ACReSAL in the areas of landscrpe restoration and Sustainable Landscape Management. In view of this, your participation and efforts, whether as speaker, resource person, Organizer, trainee, trainer even an attendee, is what come out from this training and transform from a vision into a memorable reality.”
Represented by Engnr Mukhtar Yerima Giade, Project Engineer, h Ie stressed that,”It is worth noting that we have an exciting lineup of activities designed to both enligthen and educate all pnticipnits.
“In conclusion, I want to extend a warm welcome to each one of you, especially our guests from outside of Bauchi state whose presence today adds a remarkable value to the gathewing and restates the significance of the event (Training),” he added.
He then expressed hope and prayed that the import of the training will be beneficial to the beloved nation and that all participants will retum to their respective destinations to implement the outcome.
