From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Ibrahim Salihu, a young horticulturist from Kaduna State, is making remarkable strides in transforming arid and desert-prone areas into thriving green forests. Through the annual planting of millions of trees, he is actively combating desertification, deforestation, and the growing threats of climate change in Northern Nigeria.
He is the founder of Teku International Farm, Kaduna, a pioneering initiative known for its innovative approach to land restoration. The farm specializes in converting dry, degraded land into productive forest ecosystems through large-scale tree planting.
By utilizing solar-powered irrigation systems, Salihu ensures that newly planted seedlings receive adequate water supply, significantly improving their survival rate even in harsh climatic conditions.
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative also serves as a tool for social and economic development. Hundreds of young people from desert-affected communities are engaged in activities such as planting, watering, and monitoring trees. This not only provides employment but also equips them with practical skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Women are also key beneficiaries of the project. Through targeted training in horticultural business, many have been empowered to start small-scale enterprises, helping to reduce poverty, promote financial independence, and strengthen community resilience.
Salihu’s long-term vision is to establish model forest gardens that will serve as ecological hubs, attract eco-tourism, and create sustainable livelihoods for local populations. The farm currently hosts graduates and undergraduates who gain hands-on experience in horticulture, preparing them to become future leaders in the sector capable of supplying both local and international markets.
Each year, Salihu plants over two million seeds—some for commercial purposes, while many are distributed freely to citizens to encourage widespread participation in environmental conservation.
His efforts align with broader national and global strategies aimed at addressing climate change and reversing land degradation.
Looking ahead, he plans to scale up operations by reclaiming more desert land and transforming it into vibrant green spaces. This expansion is expected to play a key role in protecting biodiversity, particularly plant and animal species threatened by wildfires, bushmeat hunting, and unsustainable logging.
Salihu also advocates for the creation of “safe forests”—protected green zones within desert regions designed to preserve ecosystems and restore natural balance. He remains committed to expanding his forestry initiatives, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security through the cultivation of fruits and crops, and contributing to a more sustainable future for communities across Kaduna and beyond.
The Head of Communication and Strategies at African Climate Reporters, Ibrahima Yakubu, who visited the farm, commended the young horticulturist’s efforts, noting that the initiative is helping to save Kaduna’s forest resources from extinction due to the high demand for firewood, charcoal, and timber.
He called on the state government to recognize and support such initiatives, emphasizing that they play a vital role in protecting the environment against various ecological challenges.