In continuation of efforts to combat the environmental menace of bush burning, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT ) Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has taken its sensitization campaign to more grassroot communities of the FCT.

Led by the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Caroline Opara, the team engaged leaders and residents of Buga and Kujekwa, two communities under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where the project recently established 200 hectares of enrichment plantations with the planting of drought-resistant economic trees like Banana, Orange, Shea butter, Bush mango, Plantain, and Palm trees targeted at enhancing community resilience to climate change and improving livelihoods.

During an interactive session, Mrs. Opara emphasized the devastating impacts of bush burning, urging communities to adopt sustainable land clearance methods. “Bush burning destroys soil fertility, kills beneficial microorganisms, and devastates biodiversity,” she explained. “It also releases harmful carbon emissions, exacerbating climate impacts like extreme heat and floods that displace families and cripple livelihoods We therefore encourage you, to adopt safer alternatives such as composting and mulching in land preparation.”

Mrs. Opara emphasized that the project’s focus on planting fruit-bearing and medicinal trees, is designed to provide long-term ecological and economic benefits. “These trees are not just for shade; if well nurtured, they will become sources of food, medicine, and sustainable income,” she stressed.

She urged the communities to promptly report and incidence of fire outbreak to appropriate authorities.

Residents of the two communities applauded the initiative, recounting how unchecked bush fires previously ravaged their lands. The community leaders also pledged their support to ACReSAL to safeguard the plantations for long-term environmental and economic benefits.

The team also used the opportunity of the campaign to inaugurate the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) Committees in both communities, tasking them with risk monitoring, dispute mediation, and protecting investments. Opara underscored the critical role of the Committee, saying, “Peace is the bedrock of progress. Your duty is to ensure these plantations thrive for the benefit of future generations.”

The FCT ACReSAL Project has assured that it will sustain the anti-bush burning sensitization campaign throughout the harmattan season.