Yola: The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has intensified its campaign for environmental sustainability and women empowerment through tree planting initiatives across Adamawa. Mr. Ishaya Adamu, an environmental expert, disclosed this on Tuesday during a one-day sensitisation session in Yola.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme, organised by NCWS under the Gazette Eco Women Project, had the theme: ‘Empowering Women Through Sustainable Tree Planting’. Adamu, the lead facilitator at the event, said that the project was aimed at strengthening women’s participation in climate action at the grassroots level. He noted that climate change had continued to affect women the most, especially in rural communities.
He emphasized that with the right support, women could become key agents in tackling climate-related challenges while earning income. He remarked, ‘The temperature is rising everywhere; droughts and floods are increasing; but every challenge presents an opportunity. Tree planting provides multiple benefits including environmental protection, food security, and income generation. Women already use trees for food, firewood, and herbal medicine which can be turned into a business. They can grow mangoes, guavas, moringa, or seedlings for sale. We want women to see this as a business, not just a community service. Selling fruits, seedlings, and wood can support families while protecting the environment.’
Adamu also mentioned that future training would cover tree nursery management, organic composting, water-saving techniques, and market access for tree-based products. Mrs. Rebecca Kwabe, a participant, said the training was timely and impactful, especially for women in rural communities facing the effects of climate change like flood. She expressed that the session opened her eyes to the multiple values of trees, from health to businesses and household benefit. ‘Trees give us shade, fruits, clean air, and firewood. I encourage women to see the economic and health value in planting and preserving trees,’ she said.