Abuja: Stakeholders in Agriculture have called for stronger partnerships to effectively integrate food production with biodiversity conservation through community agroforestry. This appeal was made at the Community Agroecology and Agroforestry Summit, themed 'Strengthening Local Partnerships for Knowledge Sharing and Action.'
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, Director of Forestry, emphasised that communities are the backbone of sustainable land management in Nigeria. Represented by Aiwuyu Christopher, Deputy Director of Forestry, she highlighted that agriculture and livestock production are major drivers of deforestation, responsible for about 60 per cent of direct global greenhouse gas emissions.
'Farmers across Nigeria have long practiced agroforestry and agroecological methods that protect soils, conserve biodiversity, and enhance resilience to climate shocks,' Bawa-Bwari stated. She noted the need for stronger coordination between forestry and agricultural institutions, supported by enabling policies, to scale up agroforestry effectively.
'Since 1990, Nigeria has lost an estimated 6.1 million hectares, or about 35.7 percent, of its forest cover, primarily due to unsustainable agricultural practices. However, farmers increasingly recognise the benefits of combining trees with crops, including improved soil health, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and economic potential.'
Mr Andrew Iloh, Director of Biodiversity Education and Resource Centre (BERC), said that communities are central to agroecology and agroforestry practices. He noted that traditional and ecological approaches combining trees, crops, and livestock sustain soil fertility, improve biodiversity, and enhance resilience to climate shocks.
Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, the Etsu Kwali in the Federal Capital Territory, praised the initiative, noting that agroecology has long been practiced traditionally in his area, aligning with the summit's discussions. Dr Charles Ebojei, representing the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, explained that carbon farming combines agriculture and forestry to enhance agricultural productivity and create a conducive environment.
Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme in Nigeria, said that the programme collaborates with environmental and civil society organisations to fund projects addressing climate change issues. A highlight of the summit was the launch of the BERC Agroecology and Agroforestry manuals, designed as practical guides to support community training, knowledge sharing, and field-level implementation. The manuals capture best practices, local innovations, and sustainable approaches for communities and partners to apply.
The summit underscores the urgent need for community partnerships to promote sustainable agroforestry as a solution to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change in Nigeria.