The Nation Newspaper

Tag: planting

  • ‘Planting with early rains risky’

    Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture Oil Palm Seedlings Desk Officer  Mr Chijioke Egbo has cautioned farmers against planting of seedlings, following the early rains in the state.

    Egbo gave the warning in an interview in Enugu, saying it was risky to cultivate with early rains.

    According to him, it is a risk for oil palm and other farmers to go into cultivazation for the new farming season without having enough rain or water reservoirs in the farm.

    He said: “Farmers should not be deceived by the recent rains because planting seedlings with the early rains will be a useless effort.’’

    “Since most Enugu farmers depend on natural rain, farmers should wait until April when rainy season would be in full

    Egbo said without full rain or water reservoir, planted crops might roast in the ground because of too much heat.

    He urged farmers to use the period of waiting for the rain to clear their farmland and engaging in other pre-planting activities before the rains set in.

    He called on the government at all levels to create irrigation for farmers to enable them to grow their seedlings and farm all-year round.

    “With the help of irrigation, many farmers will no longer be waiting for rainy season before they begin planting,” Egbo said.

  • Govt, monarch advise residents on tree planting

    Lagos State government and a monarch have advised residents to cultivate the habit of tree planting, in order to mitigate the impact of climate change.

    Speaking at a Tree Planting campaign to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Oba Tijani Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiranland, on the throne, at the weekend, the General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Garden (LASPARK), Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, said tree planting would mitigate the impact of climate change.

    Adebiyi-Abiola, represented by the Head, Local Government Parks and Garden Management, Halima Adeniji, stressed that it was an offence to fell trees in any part of the state without seeking government’s permission, as such act would attract sanction.

    She said 100 trees had been brought from LASPARK to be planted in Eti-Osa, as part of the tree planting to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the monarch on the throne.

    Oba Akinloye said population growth had resulted in increasing pressure on land for housing and business premises, with environmental implication such as deforestation, wetland reclamation, flooding, among others.

    He said Eti-Osa, which was one of the wetland regions, due to rapid urbanisation, had lost most of its wetland, leading to flooding and erosion, adding that to reduce the effect of flooding, tree planting had become one of the mitigating measures.

    “Today, we only see buildings, cars, large signboards, roads and concretes, instead of trees, beautiful flowers, parks and gardens. We are used to having polished lifestyles which has no benefits to the ecological system. The risks to our health and well-being by removing trees from the environment are far higher. The benefits that urban trees bring cannot be quantified.

    “Besides its capacity to reduce urban temperatures, it can also absorb pollution of all kinds of particles, chemical and even noise from the environment. Tree planting remains the cheapest mitigating option and the world’s second largest most effective means of absorbing excess carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby, cleansing the air and protecting the environment against flooding and coastal erosion,” the monarch said.

    He hailed the government for planting trees and celebrating tree planting campaign every July 14.

  • LASPARK, Reliance Gardens partner on tree planting

    Determined to ensure a safer environment, especially in the wake of climate change, all estates being developed in Lagos State will now have to have green area, especially with trees planted.

    This was the submission of the General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens (LASPARK), Mrs. Bilikiss Abiola. She spoke at the tree planting ceremony of a housing developer, Reliance Gardens, in Ajah, last week.

    According to the LASPARK boss, the agency will henceforth monitor all estates being developed in the state to ensure there is proper “green cover.” This, she further said, is now a huge aspect of housing.

    “We will be monitoring all estates in the state to ensure we have green cover. It is a huge aspect of housing. You don’t just put a building, you must ensure its greenery. Our ideal is to promote good living through greenery and we are determined to ensure a greener and healthier state with private sector organisation,” Abiola said.

    While praising the Reliance Gardens management for its efforts in greening of the state, Abiola revealed that the firm had earlier partnered with her agency to plant 700 coconut trees along the Lekki-Ajah expressway.

    She, therefore, urged other estate developers to ensure that they have green locations within their estate, because it has now become a very important component of any estate that is being developed to have a green area that is set aside for a park and garden for people living within that area to enjoy.

    Laspark, she further said, is committed to greening Lagos because “that is the only way we can secure the future of our children. If we don’t have greenery, a healthy and thriving ecosystem, it will directly affect our health and future of our children.”

    In a similar vein, the Head of Tree planting, Laspark, Mrs. Funke Dawodu, disclosed that the firm has always been a worthy partner of the agency. For instance, Dawodu revealed that Reliance Gardens collaborated with LASPARK on the school advocacy programme for the tree planting day celebration by branding school pupils for that day.

    She regrets that the several trees that have been felled in the past without replacing them is a key factor that has led to climate change. “Tree felling is a major reason for climate change. The importance of trees are numerous. Without trees we cannot survive. Trees supply us with oxygen,” Dawodu said.

    She also praised the firm for deeming it fit to approach LASPARK before commencing work on the construction of their estate especially knowing that some trees will be felled in the process of development.

    “They gave us a pledge that they would replace tress felled with multiples and today they are fulfilling their pledge. Please plant trees to commemorate events as it is a show of commitment to greenery, “ she admonished the audience.

    The Group Chief executive officer of Reliance Gardens, Mr. Kishin Wadhwani, said his firm is committed to ensuring that the environment remain habitable for mankind. Besides, he explained that as a responsible corporate citizen, laws of the state must be adhered to; hence, the reason for the partnership with the agency.

  • Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Future

    Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Future

    In Senegal, urban women are turning towards micro gardening to bolster family income and fight malnutrition.

    By Idrissa SANE, Le Soleil

    Wafts of fresh mint pass through the sticky air, the ground is littered with cut-off bottles from which other aromatic herbs peek out, zigzagging tables laden with plant pots lead up to a building covered in hanging containers—all sprouting luscious greenness.

    This building is Centre d’écoute et d’encadrement pour le développement durable (Centre for Support and Training in Sustainable Development), more commonly known as Ceedd. The centre, founded in 2005 in the city of Thies, seventy kilometres east of the capital Dakar, provides microcredit and training in micro gardening to women from deprived urban settlements.

    Life in Senegal can be tough for women. Deep-rooted traditions and limited financial resources mean that only 57 percent of young girls successfully make the transition from primary to secondary school, resulting in elevated levels of adult illiteracy amongst women. Upon entering adulthood, the strains of family life compounded with a low-level of education mean that, according to the United Nations, approximately 80 percent of the country’s active women work in the informal sector.

    President of Ceedd, Oumy Seck Ndiaye, explained that the centre’s micro gardening programmes respond to malnutrition and urban poverty in the area. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation defines micro gardening—practiced in urban spaces—as, “the intensive cultivation of a wide range of vegetables, roots and tubers, and herbs in small spaces.” Just like the space at Ceedd, micro gardens are designed to be highly productive and easy to manage. Here, more than 360 women grow lettuce, cabbage, okra, aubergines and basil. Women use this produce to nourish their families and the excess is sold at markets or in the local community. Every woman grows a different type of crop, “They do not grow the same varieties as one another, meaning they then exchange and trade,” said Ndiaye.

    The centre is staffed with a dozen or so employees and volunteers from both Senegal and Europe who train the women in these gardening techniques. Ceedd uses a growing system inspired by hydroponics. Tables or ‘micro gardens’ are covered in trays of organic soil and polystyrene, plant roots are then placed in the sodden polystyrene, and the surrounding soil is covered in gravel to protect it from the sun and to retain moisture.

    Today, the centre can see that this initiative has begun to bear fruit. Ceedd has been awarded both national and international prizes. It has diversified its activities, now offering training in artisanal production and microfinance, and much needed education and health services to the community, these include HIV testing, access to contraception, home medical visit and vaccinations. The Ceedd team, looking to further empower their women economically, have opened up into the field of processing and commercialisation. “We are training women in conservation and processing methods for their fresh produce. We have made aubergine preserve, honey and lemon cordials and hibiscus and monkey-bread juices” said Ndiaye. The centre has the support of local collectives in Thies as well as in France where these conserved goods are sold—securing another source of income for the women.

    The beneficiaries of the project don’t put all their eggs in one basket. If the yield is disappointing, or they cannot sell all of their produce, they can rely on a revolving credit system. “The women are required to contribute a monthly fee of 1 500 CFA (2 euros) so that every month one of the them can borrow 60 000 CFA (80 euros), to be reimbursed after six months,” said the president. This informal money lending system, called Susu, is practised across much of Africa and the Caribbean.

    Despite having flourished, Ceedd may soon face testing times. Like in much of Africa, Senegal is experiencing rapid climate change and urbanisation. Failing harvests and unemployment have driven 40 percent of the nation’s population to urban areas just like Thies. Urban property and land speculation is rife, potentially placing these women’s agricultural gardens under threat.

    For the time being it is clear that thanks to the multiple programmes on offer at Ceedd, life has blossomed for the women of Thies. Now able to financially support and nourish their children, these green-fingered mothers remain optimistic about their futures.

    http://www.ceedd.org/

  • Rotary: Why we harp on tree planting

    Rotary: Why we harp on tree planting

    ROTARY International (RI) has explained why it harped on annual tree planting and made it a part of its core programmes the world over. Its District 9110 Governor Dr Wale Ogunbadejo said the group believed that humanity would suffer if the earth’s contents were not sustained.

    Speaking at a tree planting forum sponsored by the Gbagada South Club at the Oworoshoki School Complex in Lagos, Ogunbadejo said Rotary had foreseen a long time ago that unless the earth’s resources were replaced by greenery, the world would face a major crisis.

    Rotary Gbagada South President Ademola Olutusin said 33 trees were billed for planting at the event. He said RI has 1.2million members worldwide, adding that if they planted trees, they would make an impact. ‘’That means we would plant 1.2million trees. Every Rotarian must plant a tree to combat climate change,’’ he said.

  • ‘Tree planting prevents disasters’

    ‘Tree planting prevents disasters’

    The Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged Lagosians to support the state’s campaigns for tree planting.

    The Governor spoke at this year’s tree planting day, organised by the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and held at Ajidagan Nursery and Primary School, Bariga Lagos.

    The event with its theme ‘Lend a hand to save trees’, was part of the state’s plan to plant 10miilion trees by 2020.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Science and Technology Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Fola Padonu, said tree planting was not just aimed at beautifying the environment, but also to prevent pollution, flooding, increased biodiversity, among others.

    He said it was imperative for corporate organisations, schools, offices and individuals to continue to planttrees yearly.

    The Council’s Sole Administrator Prince Sanya Osijo said the maiden tree planting in Lagos was in 2008 aimed at, among others, protecting the environment against pollution and flooding.

    The Council boss said trees also provide aesthetics, oxidation and nutrition in food and medicine. ‘’They soothe the Ozone layer and reduce the depletion of the earth’s surface,’’ saying they also provide shades for humanity.

    He urged Lagosians to join the tree-planting campaign to enable the government fulfil its mission, adding that over six million trees have been planted in the state.

    He thanked LASPARK for sustaining the campaign, adding that through their efforts many Lagosians, especially youths, have been keyed into the project.

     

  • Lagos sets July 14 as tree planting day

    The Lagos State Government has set aside July 14 as its yearly Tree Planting Day.

    Environment Commissioner Dr Samuel Adejare, who spoke at the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARKS) seminar for the informal sector, said it is part of a wider programme of the government to rehabilitate the environment and address global warming.

    With the theme Impact of Tree Planting on Human Existence, it was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, earlier in the week.

    He highlighted the important role the informal sector plays in championing tree planting in the state and urged them to support the government on it.

    Adejare said: “It is worthy to note satisfactorily, the significant roles the informal sector played in championing the tree planting course. The members of the Taxi Drivers Association of Nigeria; CDAs (Community Development Authorities); CDCs (Community Development Councils); NGOs (non-governmental organisations); market men and women have really impressed me with the adorning of their parks across the state. They have played significant roles to ensure the success of Tree Planting initiatives across the state.”

    He noted that their support for the state’s tree planting programmes was yielding results, as “other states are now coming to find out how they can replicate this innovation in their respective states with the support of their informal sector”.

    Stressing the need for tree planting, the commissioner said: “Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife… the main reason we need trees is because they are beautiful gift as nature is and act as natural filters. No two trees are ever alike… Even individual trees vary in appearance throughout the course of the year as the season changes. Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed and comfortable feeling. In fact, many plant trees as a living memorial of life changing events.

    “It is for this and several other reasons to enhance human existence that the Lagos State government has set aside a day, specifically July 14th of every year, for the commemoration of tree planting day.”

    Adejare appealed to stakeholders to partner government in its quest to realise its dream of enhancing human existence through a green environment.

    Welcoming participants to the seminar, LASPARKS General Manager Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun stressed the place of trees in a thriving environment.

    She listed the benefits of trees to human existence to include prevention of urban heat and climate regulation; pollution control from industrial activities; chemical substances; exhaust fumes. Noise pollution in overcrowded cities are reduced by the number of trees planted as the trees serve as sound breakers; and increase property value, as greenery, which make for aesthetically pleasing areas, attract investors.

    One of the guest lecturers at the seminar, Dr. Saka Jimoh of the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, explained why trees should not be harmed in a short poem.

    He said if trees could speak, they would say: “Ye, who would pass and raise your hand against me, hearken ere you harm me; I am the heat of your heart on the cold winter nights; the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun; and my fruits are refreshing draughts; quenching your thirst as you journey on; I am the beam that holds your house; the board of your table, the bed on which you lie; and the timber that builds your boats; I am the handle of your hoe and the door of your homestead; the wood of your cradle and the shell of your coffin; I am the gift of God and the friend of Man; Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer; Harm Me Not!”