NTFP Are Key Resources For Many Rural Households – FAO

BAUCHI – It has been observed that Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) are key resources for many rural households, providing food, income, and employment, while contributing to the conservation of our forests.

The assertion was made by the Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Koffy Dominique at the opening ceremony of a
5 day training on value chain development for non timber forest products management, held at the Chartwell Hotel in Bauchi.

Daily Independent reports that participants of the training include Project Coordinators (PCs) of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) Project from the 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.

Represented by FAON Project Focal Person, Dr Precious Agbesor, the FAO UN Country Representative said that Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations remains committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and forestry in Nigeria, adding that it recognizes the critical role that NTFPs play in reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and supporting rural development.

“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”

“Through workshops like this, we aim to create lasting impact by empowering communities to harness the potential of their natural resources responsibly and effectively.

“I am confident that the discussions, learnings, and collaborations over the course of this workshop will lead to meaningful outcomes for the ACReSAL project,” he said.

Also Speaking, the National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Abdulhamid Umar stated that the training is aimed at developing a range of activities in the management of NTFPs in the ACReSAL implementation states.

Represented by Focal Person, Ruth Erezih, the ACReSAL National Project Coordinator he was delighted that the participants were at the training to brainstorm and learn more how to add value on NTFP products.

“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.”

“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 products play a important role in the livelihood of millions of People, particularly those dwelling in forest dependent communities” he said

He noted that the Sustainable development & 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.

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Bauchi ACReSAL, Dr Ibrahim Kabir stated that the training is a platform for impacting Knowledge, experience sharing of of ideas, fostering of partnership and target achievement.

Represented by Engineer Mukhtar Yerima Giade, Project Engineer, Dr Ibrahim Kabir said that the significance of partnership cannot be over-emphasized expecially as it relates to the two organization with similar objectives and targets, adding that partnership between FAO and ACReSAL is a win-win for both parties and everyone else involved.

“It also serves as the way for achieving the PDO of ACReSAL in the areas of landscape 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.

“It is worth noting that we have an exciting lineup of activities designed to both enlighten and educate all participants. 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 gathering and restates the significance of the training,” he said.