THESHIELD Garkuwa
Related Articles
Ibrahim Salihu is a young horticulturist from Kaduna State who is making remarkable strides in transforming arid and desert-prone areas into thriving green forests. Through the annual planting of millions of trees, he is actively combating desertification, deforestation, and the growing threats of climate change in Northern Nigeria.
He is the founder of Teku International Farm, Kaduna, a pioneering initiative known for its innovative approach to land restoration. The farmer specializes in converting dry, degraded lands into productive forest ecosystems through large-scale tree planting.
By utilizing solar-powered irrigation systems, Salihu ensures that newly planted seedlings receive adequate water supply, significantly improving their survival rate even in harsh climatic conditions.
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative serves as a powerful tool for social and economic development. Hundreds of young people from desert-affected communities are engaged in activities such as planting, watering, and monitoring trees. This not only provides employment but also equips them with practical skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Women are also key beneficiaries of the project. Through targeted training in horticultural business, many have been empowered to start small-scale enterprises, helping to reduce poverty, promote financial independence, and strengthen community resilience.
Salihu’s long-term vision is to establish admirable forest gardens that will serve as ecological hubs, attract eco-tourism, and create sustainable livelihoods for local populations. The farm currently hosts graduates and undergraduates who gain hands-on experience in horticulture, preparing them to become future leaders in the sector capable of supplying both local and international markets.
Each year, Salihu plants over two million seeds, some for commercial purposes and many distributed freely to citizens to encourage widespread participation in environmental conservation.
His efforts align with broader national and global strategies aimed at addressing climate change and reversing land degradation.
Looking ahead, he plans to scale up his operations by reclaiming more desert land and turning it into vibrant green spaces. This expansion is expected to play a critical role in protecting biodiversity, particularly plant and animal species threatened by wildfires, bushmeat hunting, and unsustainable logging practices.
Salihu also advocates for the creation of what he describes as “safe forests”, protected green zones within desert regions designed to preserve ecosystems and restore natural balance. He remains committed to expanding his forestry initiatives, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security through the cultivation of fruits and crops, and contributing to a more sustainable future for communities across Kaduna and beyond.
the head of communication and strategies from African Climate reporters that visited the farm ibrahima yakubu comment the young horticulturists effort aim at saving kaduna forestry against going extinction due to high demand of firewood and chacoal bussiness with Timber
he called on state government to honor such kind of young men with beautiful initiative that is capable of protecting the environment against all form of ecological challenges
