ACF, UNDP Launch Community Initiative to Combat Erosion in Adamawa LGA

A new hope for environmental stability is taking root in the Gella community, Mubi South Local Government Area, Adamawa state as Alimat Care Foundation (ACF), in partnership with the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme during the week launched a community-led initiative to combat severe soil erosion.

 

The "Indigenous Erosion Control through Climate-Smart Agricultural Process" project is transforming landscapes and empowering local residents to become stewards in protecting their own environment.

The campaign's centerpiece is the use of Vetiver grass, a perennial plant renowned for its incredible ability to stabilize soil. 

Following one month of dedicated propagation, ACF successfully established a nursery of 4,250 vetiver grass slips. 

This living nursery became the foundation for a mass planting campaign, mobilizing community members to plant the grass on critical erosion sites.

Vetiver grass is a powerful tool in climate mitigation and adaptation and it is unique, dense, and deep root system, which can grow vertically up to 4 meters, acts as an underground 'green wall,' binding the soil and preventing it from being washed away by heavy rainfall. 

This natural barrier controls erosion and slows surface water runoff, allowing more water to infiltrate the ground and recharge local water sources. 

The dense hedges of the grass also trap sediment, enriching the soil and improving its fertility over time, thereby promoting a more resilient agricultural landscape.

The project exemplifies climate-smart agriculture, an approach that sustainably boosts productivity and income, enhances resilience to climate change, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing an indigenous and low-maintenance plant like Vetiver, the initiative offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to expensive, complex erosion control solutions.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Executive Director ACF, Ibrahim Bello, said,  It is more than just planting grass; it’s about empowering the community,"

The Executive Director stated that they are working with the people of Gella, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their land and secure their livelihoods for future generations. 

According to him, the project demonstrates that local action can lead to global impact.

Interestingly, the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, which supports community-led initiatives addressing global environmental issues, has provided vital funding for the project.

Equally, it emphasizes a shared belief that sustainable solutions to climate change and environmental degradation must originate within the communities most impacted.

As the vetiver grass takes hold and begins to form a living shield against erosion, the Gella community stands as a beacon of resilience, demonstrating that simple, nature-based solutions can be highly effective in facing a changing climate.