ACReSAL, FAO Inspect Dabung Forest Reserve in Taraba
By Echo Express
The Taraba State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL Team along with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Federal Project Monitoring Unit (FPMU) Teams on Tuesday inspected the Dabung forest reserve site in Yakoko community of Zing Local Government Area, Taraba State.
The Dabung Forest Reserve, measuring 94 hectares of land is an intervention project of the Taraba ACReSAL.
The forest is specifically reserved for the plantation of economic trees such as mangoes, orange, guava and moringa among others inline with the community’s demands and the mission of ACReSAL in addressing environmental challenges and empowering communities..
Speaking during the inspection tour, the Taraba ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Yakubu Clement Giwa, appreciated the Kpanti Yakoko, Mr Gregory Bonzena and his subjects for embracing the project, charging the community to continue to support its implementation.
Dr. Giwa stressed that the Forest Reserve has the potentials to boost the economy of the community when it fully matures.
“I am always encouraged by the community’s turn up anytime we visit and I can see that everyone one is participating in what we are doing here. Most of the things we do are community driven so, I want to let you know that these trees belongs to you therefore, take ownership of them”.
Also speaking, the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO Team Lead, Engr. Precious Agbesor, Commended the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas for providing a leveled play ground for ACReSAL Project to thrive in the state, describing him as a dynamic leader who truly means well for his people.
He also praised the ACReSAL Project Steering Committee Chairperson/ Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hon Aishat Abdul-azeez Barde and her Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Aquatic Affairs counterparts for their efforts and unwavering commitment in piloting the affairs of ACReSAL in the State.
“Let me also express my immeasurable gratitude to the ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Dr Yakubu Clement Giwa and Yakoko community for demonstrating resilience in what has been done here. We have seen that there are several plots inside here and are innovatively named after some prominent people in the State. We are equally impressed with the spacing and species planted, “he stated.
He however, urged them to take proper post planting measures to enable the trees survive.
Earlier in his remark, the Kpanti Yakoko HRH Gregory Bonzena welcome the Teams and pledged continuous support for the project.
