ANNUAL COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING FOR LIVELIHOODS

Day one of our tree distribution and planting exercise in Kwali District turned out to be far more challenging than expected. Our logistics team had made every necessary arrangement to ensure a smooth operation — or so we thought. The plan was for the driver to arrive at our nursery by 7:00 a.m. to convey hundreds of tree seedlings to the designated planting sites. Unfortunately, he arrived three hours late, at exactly 10:00 a.m.

Loading the trees took another two hours, and by the time we left the nursery, it was already noon. The day’s heat had intensified, and the farmers waiting at the planting site had been expecting us since 9:00 a.m. To make matters worse, the vehicle broke down three different times on the road.

At 1:30 p.m., after visiting two roadside mechanics, we discovered that the driver had been operating the truck without functional brakes. It was a risky situation — one that could have led to tragedy. We insisted that he replace the faulty brakes before proceeding, but the mechanic explained that it would take more than three hours to purchase the parts from a nearby town.

By that time, farmers from the community were calling repeatedly, expressing concern over our delay. We encouraged the driver to find an alternative truck, but he insisted on “managing” the same vehicle — something I could never allow with my team onboard.

At 4:00 p.m., just as we thought we were close to the community, the truck broke down again — the fourth time. At that point, our field officer decided to take a commercial motorcycle to the community to explain the situation and seek help in finding another means of transport for the trees.

That was when hope appeared in the most unexpected form.

A young man named Mejeh, one of the beneficiaries of RUWAI’s youth empowerment and sustainable farming program three years ago, heard about our situation. Without hesitation, he mobilized a few other youths and came to our aid with a tricycle — the same one he had purchased from the profits of his farming enterprise.

When he arrived, he smiled and said,

> “Oga, na that your previous support and investment in my farming business helped me buy this small truck. I thank you and your NGO for helping me.”

Those words hit deeply.

Just a few years ago, RUWAI trained and supported Mejeh with the tools and knowledge to start a sustainable farming business. Today, he runs a small but impactful agro-transport service that helps local farmers move their produce from farms to markets, reducing post-harvest losses and improving rural livelihoods. On that day, the same young man we once empowered became the one empowering others — stepping in to help us continue a mission that benefits his entire community.

His story reminds us why we do what we do. It reminds us that when we invest in young people, we are not just changing individual lives — we are building a chain of hope and self-reliance that strengthens entire communities.

In Nigeria today, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting that over 53% of young people aged 15–24 are either unemployed or underemployed. Many of them are eager to work, to learn, to contribute — but lack the opportunities and support systems to thrive.

At Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI), we believe that empowering one young person can ignite transformation across generations. From training youth in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry to providing the tools for environmentally friendly livelihoods, we are cultivating a new generation of changemakers — people like Mejeh who prove that the seeds of support we plant today can blossom into lasting impact tomorrow.

Our work continues — and so does our hope. You too can make a difference by sponsoring a community or supporting another young person like Mejeh. Together, we can turn more challenges into stories of resilience, empowerment, and growth.

Join us in restoring lives and landscapes — one tree, one youth, one community at a time.

Recently, a team from the Rural Watch Africa Initiative (RUWAI) visited the Ija Pada farming community for a sensitization workshop on agroforestry practices. The visit formed part of RUWAI’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental restoration, and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers.

The workshop served a dual purpose: to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of agroforestry and to demonstrate the proper setting out of farmlands in preparation for the upcoming planting season.

In attendance were several local farmers who not only participated actively in the session but also donated portions of their farmland for the project. Among those present were:

• Obadiah Musa – 5 hectares
• Dogara Joshua – 10 hectares
• Titus Maimi – 1 hectare
• Luka T. Magaji – 1 hectare

Together, these farmers contributed a total of 17 hectares.

In addition, several other farmers who could not attend the session also offered their land for the project. These include Daniel Musa, Isaac M. Luka, Samuel Musa, Salihu Shama, Aliyu M. Umar, Prince Ondo Sarki, Musa Debuli, Ayuba Bawa, Yakubu Kizali, Ezekiel Shagi, and Haruna Kwara, each contributing an average of  one hectare. Altogether, the total land area made available for the project exceeded 30 hectares, spread across different parts of the community.

During the sensitization, Mr. Chukwudi, a RUWAI representative, outlined the environmental and economic importance of agroforestry, emphasizing how the initiative would create employment opportunities for youth and women, generate income for farmers, and enhance community development. He explained that if the farmers succeeded in producing crops in abundance, it could attract the establishment of a cottage industry within the community, further strengthening local livelihoods.

The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which Mr. Luka T. Magaji inquired about the sharing formula for project proceeds. Some participants also raised concerns about potential disruptions from herders. The RUWAI team addressed these issues comprehensively, assuring the farmers of continuous collaboration and support.

After the discussion, the team, accompanied by local farmers, visited the various farmlands earmarked for the project. On-site, RUWAI representatives demonstrated planting patterns, spacing methods, and other essential agroforestry techniques to ensure uniformity and best practices.

The farmers expressed readiness to commence planting immediately, noting the need to take advantage of the remaining rainfall. It was unanimously agreed that the planting exercise would take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, with the farmers mobilizing additional labor to support the effort.

To ensure smooth execution, it was recommended that between 3,000 and 5000 seedlings be made available early on the planting day to enable the team to complete the activity efficiently.

The RUWAI Tree Nursery and Demonstration farm otherwise known as the Resilience Center continue to raise quailty seedlings,train farmers, and equip young people to become the change they want to see. Your continued donation/support to this cause is well appreciated.

The sensitization workshop ended on a positive note, with participants taking a group photograph to mark the event. The visit not only strengthened RUWAI’s partnership with the Ija Pada community but also reinforced the collective vision of promoting sustainable land use, improving livelihoods, and building resilience through agroforestry.