Beekeeping initiative, others part of plans to conserve National Park
In its bid to conserve the environment and uplift local economies, the ANI Foundation, has introduced beekeeping initiative as alternatives to tree-cutting in Gumti National Park, Taraba State.
Stakeholders, who spoke to The Guardian on the initiative, said the project was aimed at reducing deforestation, while offering sustainable livelihoods to local communities.
Farmers in Gashaka Local Council where the park is situated, and nearby villages, were said to have been equipped with 240 production hives, protective gear, and other essential tools.
Alongside these resources, the farmers, as further gathered by The Guardian, have received modern beekeeping training to enhance productivity.
These efforts, which are part of ANI Foundation’s wider strategy to promote environmentally-friendly income-generating activities, have begun to impact positively on the park host communities and the council at large.
In addition to the beekeeping initiative, they also confirmed that ANI Foundation has distributed over 5,000 energy-saving cooking stoves across the council.
The stoves are said to have been designed to reduce environmental impact by minimising the need for firewood, which in turn helps preserve the park’s trees.
“This initiative is improving both the living conditions and the environmental consciousness of the communities surrounding the park,” the first class traditional ruler of the council, Alhaji Zubairu Hammangabdo, said.
Hammangabdo, who spoke extensively on the activities of the foundation, highlighted the drastic reduction in illegal tree-cutting activities within the park, which is twice the size of Lagos State.
The monarch, also emphasised the economic empowerment initiatives introduced by the foundation, particularly the creation of 41 savings and loan groups.
These groups, which according to him, benefitted over 1,000 women and youths across localities like Serti, Bodel, Goje, and Mayo Selbe, have as well provided financial support and boost local economies.
“Women in these communities have received grinding machines, rice milling machines, and groundnut oil extraction equipment,” said the monarch, adding, “ANI has continued to offer non-interest loans, empowering women and helping to elevate their incomes.”
The monarch of Mayo Selbe, Yerima Timothy Maiyanga, who also echoed the sentiments of the first class monarch, commended ANI Foundation’s contribution to livestock health in the area.
He revealed that with the foundation’s efforts, over 100,000 cattle have been vaccinated free over the past two years, along with thousands of chickens.
This move, as publicly made known by him, has significantly reduced the risk of zoonotic diseases among pastoralists, improving overall animal health and securing livelihoods.
Beyond economic and environmental improvements, ANI Foundation’s presence, as confirmed by the monarch, has led to a remarkable boost in security for the communities around Gumti National Park.
“Cases of armed robbery, banditry, and cattle rustling, which were once rampant, have drastically decreased, allowing farmers to work their lands without fear. This new found sense of security has further strengthened the communities’ resilience and economic stability,” he said.
Several beneficiaries who spoke with The Guardian about the transformative impact of the foundation’s initiatives, include, Ahmed Jiddere, Mary Jonathan, Hassana Musa, Aishatu Ishaku, Francisca Uche, to mention but a few, reflected on how their reliance on the park’s resources for survival has diminished due to ANI’s swift intervention.
When reached for comments, ANI’s Community Liaison Manager, David Peter, said the foundation is committed to the long-term protection of Gumti National Park and the surrounding communities.
“Our efforts are geared towards protecting the park, while simultaneously empowering local communities. We also engage in advocacy, working with governments and stakeholders to influence policies that address systemic poverty.”
He emphasised that the foundation is focused on implementing meaningful programmes that would continue to positively impact the lives of people in the park’s host communities.
