…346,550 farmers to receive Over 9.8 million tree seedlings
One Acre Fund Nigeria has officially launched its 2025 trees distribution campaign in Niger State, marking a major milestone in its mission to drive climate action and support rural livelihoods through farmer-led reforestation.
At the flag-off ceremony held at Popoi Nursery in Kampala, One Acre Fund announced plans to distribute over 9.8 million tree seedlings to 346,550 small-holder farmers across Niger State, making it the largest state-level share of the organization’s ambitious 12.5 million seedling distribution target for 2025.
“Our vision is simple but powerful: a climate-resilient, economically empowered rural Nigeria, one tree, one farmer at a time,” said Ruth Okafor, Government Relations & Policy Specialist at One Acre Fund Nigeria.
“This year, we are reaching more farmers than ever before with free, fast-growing, income-generating trees that improve soil, restore landscapes, and support long-term income,” she said
The 2025 campaign spans Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa States, with Niger alone accounting for nearly 75% of total seedlings distributed.
The trees include a mix of species, such as moringa, albizia, and high-value timber, that serve both environmental and economic purposes for farming families.
The event was graced by senior government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ahmed Matthew, who lauded the program’s alignment with state goals.
“The State government has set a target to plant one billion trees in four years. One Acre Fund’s support is a vital contribution to this vision,” he said, while urging communities to curb deforestation and nurture the seedlings provided, he declared.
The Permanent Secretary also called attention to environmental threats like bush burning and illegal logging, while affirming the state’s resolve to reverse land degradation and desert encroachment.
According to Mr. Fred Adzoyi, Trees Program Associate at One Acre Fund Nigeria, each farmer will receive a set of tree seedlings tailored for both agroforestry and income generation, to be planted around homes and farmlands.
“These trees are expected to deliver a range of benefits, including: Improved soil fertility, protection against erosion and desertification, shade and microclimate regulation, as well as future income from timber or produce
“By working hand-in-hand with farmers and government partners, One Acre Fund is scaling nature-based solutions that place smallholders at the heart of climate resilience and rural development.
“These trees are more than just seedlings, they’re a step toward long-term prosperity for farming families,” Adzoyi emphasised.
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