An evaluation of the socio-economic constraints of on-going afforestation programs in northern Nigeria: A key to redressing desertification problems.

Abstract

This research attempts to identify a number of socio-economic factors that are important in determining the success of afforestation programs to combat desertification in Northern Nigeria. Issues investigated included the quality and quantity of extension services, the role of incentives given to farmers, the role of traditional village heads, and women's role and importance in the tree planting programs. This research relied on a multiple method approach for data collection including archival data search, field observation, and qualitative and quantitative interviews. Two of nine northern Nigerian states--Jigawa, more successful, and Katsina, less successful, as judged by the foresters, were selected. Within each of these two states, two 'more successful' and two 'less successful' villages were identified. The goal to delineate the differences between the 'more' and 'less' successful states and villages turned out to be less important than expected. The foresters' criteria for defining programs' success seemed inadequate. There was somewhat more extension service activity, commitment and supervision among extension workers in Jigawa than in Katsina. Overall, incentives were haphazardly designed. More farmers in Jigawa than in Katsina received more incentives. More traditional and religious leaders were involved in Jigawa than in Katsina. However, similarities in farmers' concerns across the states and villages were more prominent than differences among them. For instance, in all the states and villages, most farmers had clear knowledge of the forestry program, expressed similar preferences for tree seedlings, incentives, fencing materials, and advocated increased women's participation. This study recommends that: (1) Nigerian foresters and policy makers should understand the local socio-economic and political systems and apply such knowledge in policy decisions and practices; (2) extension service training should be institutionalized to generate adequately trained and culture-sensitive workers; (3) local leaders, including opinion leaders, must be respected and involved at every level of the program; (4) more female extension workers should be employed to boost women's participation; (5) more effective incentive systems should be designed for local farmers and nomads; and (6) a monitoring system culminating in mid-course program evaluation should be established to readily correct any emerging concerns in the field.