Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, is the Program Manager of North East Arid Zone Development Program (NEAZDP), in Garin Alkali, Bursari local government area of Yobe State. In this interview with Muhammad Maitela, he speaks on the next three years plan to introduce climate -smart practices. Excerpts:
Sir, tell us about your academic journey?
My name is Mulima Idi Mato, from Gedam, Local Government Area of Yobe State. I completed my basic education in Gedam and then proceeded to Ramat Polytechnic for my Diploma in Agriculture in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Subsequently, I attended the University of Maiduguri, where I earned my B.Sc. in Agriculture, specializing in Soil Science. I also went further to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi to study Soil Science at an advanced level as a Master’s student in 2010. I then proceeded to earn my PhD in the same institution, which I completed recently.
As a Program Manager North East Arid Zone Development Programme, what are the key activities under the programme?
You know, the reason why the NEAZDP was set up in the first place is to combat the man-made and natural causes of desertification. This is one objective of the programme. Well, secondly, it was set up to change the attitudes of people toward the environment in the arid zone part of the state, covering the nine local governments of the programme area—that is, from Yunusari, Gaidam, Bursari, Bade, Jakusko, Yusufari, Karasuwa, Nguru, and Machina; these nine local governments are the programme areas.
On the other hand, the North East Arid Zone Development Programme is set out to change the attitudes of these people toward their environment because the environment is an arid environment, which is a bit difficult to live in compared to other agroecological environments that are not arid, such as the semi-arid, the Savannah, the Sudan, and the Guinea Savannah has an appreciable amount of rainfall compared to the arid zone, which is a dry area. That’s why we often urge people to have a positive attitude toward the environment in the region, and that is one of the missions of the North East Arid Zone Development Programme.
The third mission of NEAZDP, or its objective, also includes improving the local infrastructure of the communities in those areas by using appropriate technology and simple tools to enhance their livelihoods, especially in agriculture. At the same time, NEAZDP also aims to improve healthcare services and education for the people in grassroots areas. In this regard, the North East Arid Zone Development Programme collaborates with primary healthcare centers across the nine LGAs, where traditional birth attendants are trained regularly to reduce maternal mortality in those areas.
How would you engage with local communities to ensuring their needs are met?
You know, the program has a very extensive network of skilled workers and has what are called development area promoters; it has what are called village area promoters; it has 18 development area promoters. The NEAZDP is working in about 342 villages, providing agricultural extension services, providing health extension services, and providing educational extension services. So, this network of development area promoters and village area promoters is all across the nine LGAs of the program. These are the networks that NEAZDP uses to extend all the messages, all the extension services, and all the improved agricultural practices that we want people to adopt, as well as all the environmental issues that we want people to understand and have their mindsets changed toward. This is the channel we are using to reach out to the people, to the local communities.
The programme is very extensive in these areas, and everyone is aware of what NEAZDP has done in the past years.
How would you address water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited infrastructure in rural areas?
As I mentioned earlier, the three issues you mentioned are among the objectives of NEAZDP, which aims to curtail soil degradation and address the general climate problem in that arid environment by changing people’s attitudes toward it. People will be advised or called upon to change their behavior regarding trees and forests in their areas to avoid cutting down live trees. They should reduce deforestation as much as possible due to its effects on climate change. In an arid environment, when there are no trees and insufficient forests, this contributes to climate change and significantly impacts global warming, which also affects the arid regions. Also, to improve on how to halt or how to combat desertification.
The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has been actively involved in various projects, including oasis development, woodlot development, and the erection of shelterbelts. Traditionally, NEAZDP is known for establishing shelterbelts across the arid zones of Yobe State. Additionally, the program is recognized for developing woodlots, which, after a certain period, enable communities to meet their woodlot demands within these environments. Oases are also spread across the Yobe arid zone, with notable locations in Yusufari, Yunusari, Machina, and Karasuwa. However, these oases are under threat from desertification, causing them to shrink over time. To address this, NEAZDP aims to develop these oases by establishing plantations, including dead farm plantations and economic tree plantations, to protect them from encroaching sand dunes.
What are the areas requiring support from Yobe State Government, European Union, NGOs, and International Organizations?
NEAZDP seeks support from the Yobe State Government, European Union, NGOs, and international organizations to fulfill its mission and vision. Key areas of focus include the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and the promotion of cleaner energy sources. For instance, transitioning from firewood to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas for cooking can significantly reduce deforestation. NEAZDP plans to launch a campaign promoting the use of LPG across its program areas. This initiative will involve engaging traditional institutions and nine local government areas of NEAZDP, including the Emirs of Ngazargamu, Bade, Yusufari, Nguru, and Machina, to encourage communities to adopt cleaner energy alternatives.
How would you ensure collaboration with various stakeholders?
The Yobe State Government is the owner of NEAZDP, and is committed to supporting the program. Since the inauguration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, on May 29, there has been a renewed commitment to reviving NEAZDP. The state government is actively working to restore the program to its former glory.
Additionally, NEAZDP is collaborating with partners such as Great Green World, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and European Union countries to secure funding and technical support. These efforts aim to ensure the program’s sustainability and effectiveness.
What is your long-term plan/goals?
NEAZDP is currently developing a three-year strategic plan. Over the next three years, the program aims to establish at least one solid shelterbelt and one oasis development project in each of the nine local government areas under its programs. A key component of this plan is the deployment of thousands of LPG cylinders to local governments to reduce reliance on firewood and curb deforestation.
NEAZDP is also advocating for the adoption of windmill technology to power boreholes in rural areas, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered pumps. Furthermore, the program plans to introduce climate-smart agricultural practices, such as hydroponics and deep irrigation, tailored to the arid conditions of Yobe State.
Are there any new technologies or innovations being introduced to improve the program’s effectiveness?
NEAZDP would introduce innovative technologies to enhance program effectiveness. Windmill technology will be deployed to power boreholes, replacing diesel-powered systems that are no longer affordable. The program will begin by installing a windmill-powered borehole at its headquarters.
Additionally, NEAZDP is promoting the use of LPG for cooking and encouraging local governments councils to acquire LPG cylinders for distribution to communities. These efforts aim to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable energy use. In the long term, NEAZDP plans to implement advanced climate-smart practices, including hydroponics and deep irrigation, to improve agricultural productivity in the arid zone.
What are your challenges?
As a Programme Manager of NEAZDP, one of the biggest challenges is the program’s prolonged inactivity and funding constraints. The morale of the staff has been low, and there is a need to boost their motivation, this would give us the situation to effectively deliver on our NEAZDP’s mandate. Many staff members are hired on a casual or contract basis, and there is a need for the state government to absorb them into the civil service to provide job security and improve morale. Addressing these challenges is critical to reviving NEAZDP and achieving its objectives.
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