By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The Bauchi State SPMU (State Project Management Unit) has outlined a comprehensive action plan aimed at the development of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) following a four-day training facilitated by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The workshop, held at the New Chartwell Hotel from October 21 to 24, 2024, brought together stakeholders to address critical gaps in policy development and NTFP identification for Bauchi State.
The training, focused on strengthening the capacities of NTFP producers in key watersheds and communities, saw participants prioritize the products gum Arabic, coco-melon (gurji), and locust beans for development. These products were identified based on their economic significance and potential to boost local livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability.
The prioritized watersheds of Jama’are, Kari, and Bauchi were each assigned specific NTFPs for action plan development. Gum Arabic was selected for the Jama’are catchment, where its farming and processing have long been established as major economic activities. However, the absence of a formal value chain has led to traditional processing methods, exploitative market practices, and a lack of market access. The FAO-supported action plan seeks to formalize the value chain, improve processing techniques, and establish market linkages.
Similarly, coco-melon (gurji) was identified as the NTFP of focus for the Kari catchment, with the goal of addressing challenges such as a lack of agricultural extension services and knowledge gaps in its medicinal applications. In Bauchi, the value chain for locust beans was prioritized, with an emphasis on addressing local processing limitations and exploring additional uses, such as spices and condiments.
The Bauchi State team identified several challenges affecting the NTFP value chains across the three catchments, including:
Jama’are: Lack of market accessibility and information, unsustainable harvesting practices, skill gaps among farmers, and ecological challenges such as flooding and extreme weather events.
Kari: Lack of agricultural extension services, insufficient knowledge of medical applications, and high crop mortality due to pest infestations.
Bauchi: The absence of machines for processing, an underdeveloped value chain, and a lack of diversified product uses.
The action plan also highlighted key employment opportunities that would arise from value chain development, including improved income for farmers, enhanced environmental sustainability, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
To address the identified challenges, the Bauchi State team has proposed the establishment of a Land Restoration Committee, to be spearheaded by the SPMU. The committee will focus on promoting sustainable practices in NTFP harvesting and processing, while ensuring that the action plan is implemented efficiently. Community Interest Groups, which played a critical role during the training, will continue to be engaged throughout the process.
The action plan will be subject to review for additional knowledge and insights, which will be shared with policymakers for potential adoption at the state level. A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system will also be deployed to track progress and ensure that the objectives of the action plan are met.
The training marks a significant step forward in Bauchi State’s efforts to develop its NTFP sector and create sustainable economic opportunities for its communities.