Sokoto’s Moringa Agroforestry Project: A Game Changer For Climate Resilience And Food Security

Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is spearheading a transformative Moringa agroforestry program in Wurno Local Government Area, positioning it as a cornerstone of his administration’s environmental and economic development agenda.

This initiative is a key part of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, a World Bank-backed effort aimed at combating climate change, enhancing food security, and creating jobs in Northern Nigeria. The governor has demonstrated strong commitment by promptly paying Sokoto State’s ₦1 billion counterpart funding for the project, which includes afforestation, water-source management, and agricultural development.

The project features the restoration of 500 hectares of forest enrichment plantation and the cultivation of 7,000 hectares of Moringa (Drumstick Tree) farms. Moringa is widely recognized for its nutritional and economic value, and its cultivation will not only improve food security but also protect farmlands from wind erosion and enhance water conservation.

Additionally, the Sokoto ACReSAL project aims to restore 19 million cubic meters of water in Lugu Dam and rehabilitate 1,300 hectares of irrigable land in Wurno, benefitting thousands of farmers. By integrating agroforestry with environmental conservation, the initiative seeks to promote year-round farming and sustainable land management in Sokoto State.

Governor Aliyu has called on all stakeholders—including government agencies, the World Bank, and local communities—to ensure the project’s successful implementation. He emphasized that since the state has fully funded its share, transparency and accountability must be upheld to maximize its impact.

With Sokoto’s vast arable land and increasing climate challenges, this agroforestry initiative represents a bold step toward a greener and more food-secure future for the state.