Nigeria confronts an environmental catastrophe that threatens both ecological stability and cultural identity. Data by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation shows that deforestation is proceeding at an alarming rate of 11.1% annually, ranking among the highest globally.
Between 2001 and 2024, Nigeria lost 1.44 million hectares of tree cover, representing 14% of its 2000 forest extent. Among the casualties are indigenous fruit trees that have sustained Igbo communities for generations.
Species like ukwa, udala and ogbono, which are fixtures of Igbo cuisine, face increasing threats amidst illegal logging and urbanisation pressures.
Ukwa, known as African breadfruit, embodies tradition, community gathering and seasonal celebration in the Igbo culture. Rich in proteins and carbohydrates, including essential minerals, it has a nutritional makeup akin to beans.
Meanwhile, fruits like bitter kola are revered for their medicinal properties.
The gradual decline of these trees erases not merely botanical diversity but also living cultural archives connecting present generations to ancestral knowledge.
In response, the Anambra State government has earmarked N200 million in its 2026 budget to procure and distribute endangered traditional fruit tree seedlings across all 21 local government areas.
This programme targets 60,000 ukwa seedlings at N1,500 each, totalling N90 million. An additional 40,000 udala seedlings and 20,000 bitter kola seedlings will be acquired for N84 million combined.
The initiative extends to 10,000 raffia seedlings and 16,000 ogbono seedlings at N26 million, creating a comprehensive restoration effort targeting the state’s most threatened indigenous species.
No fewer than 100,000 households will receive oil palm and other economic tree seedlings during implementation, building on the administration’s record of distributing over two million Malaysian hybrid coconut and oil palm seedlings annually since 2022.
This initiative offers broad economic benefits. Ukwa commands premium prices in markets throughout southeastern Nigeria, with processed products fetching substantial returns. A mature ukwa tree yields 600-700 fruits each year.
At current market rates, a 2.5kg (painter) of fresh ukwa sells for ₦18,000, more expensive than rice. Entrepreneurs have built successful businesses around processed ukwa products, including dried ukwa, roasted snacks, ukwa flour, and ready-to-cook preparations. Yet supply falls short of demand.
In the same vein, Ogbono seeds, essential for the viscous soup beloved in southern Nigeria, have become expensive as natural trees decline.
By distributing 146,000 seedlings of these high-value species, Anambra positions thousands of households to generate substantial income streams within five to seven years when trees reach productive maturity.
The state’s approach emphasises cluster planting on communal lands rather than dispersed individual plots. This strategy facilitates easier management, protection from illegal harvesting, and collective marketing that strengthens bargaining power.
Communities also receive training on planting techniques, maintenance requirements, and sustainable harvesting practices. Infrastructure development complements the seedling distribution, with road construction projects opening rural communities and creating essential market access.
However, there may be challenges. Nigeria’s deforestation continues unabated in many regions, driven by agricultural conversion.
Weak enforcement, corruption enabling illegal logging, and inadequate storage facilities that force farmers to sell immediately rather than wait for optimal prices all undermine conservation efforts.
Climate change compounds difficulties, with shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affecting tree survival rates and fruit production. The initiative addresses the erosion crisis affecting 160 of the state’s 179 communities, while recent studies show 75% climate change awareness among Anambra farmers.
Anambra’s recent allocation not only supports biodiversity but also restores dignity to communities confronting cultural decline.
Summary not available at this time.
