- The Regreening Africa Project will benefit 40,000 Sokoto farmers through restored land and sustainable farming practices.
- This project prioritises women and youth, ensuring inclusive growth and resilience in rural communities.
The Regreening Africa Project has started in Sokoto State, offering hope to 40,000 smallholder farmers. Supported by the European Union (EU) with €2 million in funding, the programme will run from 2025 to 2029. In addition, CARE Nigeria, Catholic Relief Services, and CIFOR will jointly implement it.
The project will restore degraded land, improve soil fertility, and help farmers adapt to climate change. Furthermore, it prioritises women and youth in Wamakko and Wurno, placing them at the heart of local change.
At the launch in Abuja, EU delegation leader Massimo De Luca warned that climate change and land degradation threaten peace and prosperity. He explained that the initiative would strengthen food security, support livelihoods, and reduce vulnerability. As a result, storing carbon and cutting emissions would also contribute to global climate goals.
De Luca stressed that northern Nigeria faces serious risks from degraded lands and food shortages. However, he noted that communities can adapt when provided with the right tools and support. Therefore, he said Sokoto farmers could become a model of resilience and innovation across Nigeria.
CARE Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr Hussaini Abdu, underlined the project’s potential to improve food security and restore farmland. Represented by Jennifer Orgle, he added that restoration succeeds when communities lead. Women, youth, and local groups will, therefore, play a central role in driving sustainable change.
The project will also strengthen water management, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable farming practices. Moreover, Abdu urged closer cooperation among government, civil society, development partners, and communities to secure long-term success.
By uniting key stakeholders and empowering farmers, the initiative ultimately aims to deliver lasting solutions to land degradation, food insecurity, and climate stress.