The Problem:

Indiscriminate tree felling, which will lead to serious environmental challenges in Edati Local Government Area of Niger State.

Solution: The Community formed a committee that is checking the indiscriminate felling of trees in the Area.

Response: Enagi Community in collaboration with other Communities in Edati Local Government Area, Niger State Nigeria,

Formed a committee to checkmate and control the activities of indiscriminate tree fellers.

Evidence of impact:

The effort of the Committee is yielding positive results, as it has led to a great reduction in tree felling, particularly economic trees. It has been observed that farmers in the area don’t fell economic trees in their farms, as such trees grow side by side with their crops in the farm. The work of the committee has also created more awareness about the dangers of uncontrolled tree felling and the need to safeguard them.

Insight: Part of this program first started with a discussion with an Agricultural expert: Mr Isaac Mamman, Zonal Extension Officer with Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Development Authority, (NAMDA), who discussed the importance and relationship of trees to Agriculture, rainfall, and the safer environment.

Mallam Adamu Ndacezo holds the traditional title of Shettima of Enagi and heads the committee constituted by His Highness Bima of Enagi (Chief of Enagi Community) in collaboration with other communities in Edati Local Government to checkmate indiscriminate tree felling. “The committee came into being (10) Ten years ago and was supported by all village and community heads in Edati Local Government, Etsu Nupe’s Palace, and Edati Local Government Council, with an agreement that offenders can be prosecuted before the Court of Law”. Tree loggers usually come from far places to log trees, including economic trees without permission”. He said they appointed heads from each Community and farm settlement to oversee the activities and report to the committee, so permission has to be sought and given before even a farmer or land owner fell a tree and they usually monitor to ensure that only permitted trees are felled. Also, when they hear any sound of a saw chain, they go there to check if permission has been granted.

Mallam Alhassan Tsonfada also a traditional title holder of Shamaki of Enagi, and a member of the committee, said offenders are usually prosecuted because they work with security agencies, Local Government, and Etsu Nupe’s Palace. Early maturing Trees for domestic use (firewood) are also distributed to Farmers free of charge to plant in their farms to encourage afforestation. They therefore advised other Communities near and far to emulate them by taking the same measures.

What role is the Edati Local Government Council taking about this? Mallam Jiya Yandalu, is a Deputy Director Agric Department, ” The Local Government Council holds security meeting every month to discuss burning issues in all communities across the Local Government, so when these issues were brought, they give full support and backing to the decision of the traditional leaders”. As a Council, with a Forestry Department and forest Guards, they appointed heads of units at all the (10) Ten political wards of the Local Government to oversee and monitor forest activities.

Limitations: Lack of knowledge about the dangers of Deforestation, poor economic situation of the country are often given as the reason for engaging in this act, as they see it as a source of livelihood. The government’s Political will to enforce laws is hindering the fight against these acts across various Communities. Also, lack of cooperation by some farmers.