A review of afforestation efforts in Nigeria

In Nigeria, afforestation is of critical importance as the whole country has been ravaged by many environmental problems which can be managed through afforestation. Although the northern part of the country suffers the most from deforestation, the south-south parts of the country, as well as the relatively stable centres, are not spared the menace. The numerous benefits of afforestation include addressing environmental degradation, more especially desertification, deforestation, erosion and flooding as well as reducing the effects of climate change. Afforestation also aids in increasing supplies of forest products for local consumption and supporting of local enterprises, income generation from the sale of timber and non-timber products, enhancement of fuelwood availability, employment creation, and expansion of raw materials base for industrial development. Therefore, afforestation forms a background for important developments to take place particularly in land use practices, environment and natural resources management.

However, little is known about past afforestation programmes in the country and the impacts they have had. This paper attempts at reviewing the previous afforestation programmes in the Nigeria, with greater focus on the northern part of the country as well as the achievements these programmes may have achieved.