The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has trained no fewer than 2,800 beneficiaries—comprising 2,400 farmers and 400 women—on sustainable agriculture and green enterprise practices in Cross River State.
The Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, disclosed this at the close of a project workshop held in Calabar on Wednesday.
He explained that the beneficiaries were drawn from eight communities across the state, including Iko Esai in Akamkpa and Yakurr Local Government Areas. They were trained in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) value chains and green enterprise development.
Onoja added that the project, themed “Community Forest Management and Livelihood Improvement in the Buffer Region of the Cross River National Park in Nigeria,” also led to the restoration of 120 hectares of degraded forest.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening community-based forest conservation mechanisms while promoting sustainable, high-yield agricultural practices.
He noted that the project, which commenced in 2022 and is funded by the German government, was designed to build the capacity of NTFP traders, improve incomes, and raise awareness on sustainable forest use and management.
The intervention also facilitated the establishment of forest governance structures within participating communities.
“We worked with eight communities on sustainable forest management, leading to the creation of alternative livelihoods. The goal is to empower them to protect their environment,” Onoja said.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the state’s vast forest resources, noting that Cross River remains one of Nigeria’s most significant forest zones.
Also speaking, George Oben-Etche, Chairman of the Cross River Forestry Commission, urged communities to take ownership of forest resources.
He emphasised that providing sustainable alternative livelihoods is key to curbing deforestation.
Similarly, Christabel Ndubisi, Vice President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, commended NCF’s intervention and pledged to help connect the communities to markets for their products.
On his part, Johnson Ebokpo, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, called for the adoption of traceability systems to protect forest resources.
Represented by Mr Omini Eyong, Director of Crops and Trees in the ministry, Ebokpo noted that forest encroachment significantly contributes to climate change and urged Nigerians to prioritise environmental protection.
Also, Joseph Ntui of the Cross River National Park highlighted the importance of sustainable forest management in preserving resources for future generations.
