In response to climate change, land degradation, rising temperatures and desertification in Kano State, WECCMA (in collaboration with the Agro‑Climatic Resilience in Semi‑Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project) has launched the Three Million Trees Planting Initiative (3MTP). The goal is to strengthen the environment, restore degraded land, beautify urban and rural spaces, and enhance resilience of communities against erratic weather.
Trees play a key role in improving soil health, reducing erosion, and controlling desert encroachment — all urgent challenges in Kano State.
Urban heat waves and high temperatures are mitigated when green cover increases. The initiative is part of the State Government’s response to environment & climate threats.
Improving agricultural productivity, securing food systems, enhancing livelihoods of rural and peri-urban populations: tree planting is not just about aesthetics but about ecological and socioeconomic transformation.
Plant 3 million tree seedlings across all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
Activities will include avenue plantings (along roads, public spaces), afforestation of degraded land, establishment of shelter-belts to combat desertification.
The campaign is part of a broader vision of planting up to 10 million trees within the first term of the administration.
Community Engagement & Partnerships: Local governments, traditional leaders, households, schools, civil servants and businesses will all play active roles. This inclusive approach ensures tree-planting is not a one-off event but a sustainable cultural shift.
Training & Capacity Building: Prior to planting, there will be training of community organisations, youth institutions and civil society groups in tree nursery management, planting techniques, after-care and monitoring.
Nurseries & Seedlings: Seedlings are produced— including planned annual production of tens of thousands of seedlings at WECCMA’s plantation/ nursery facility.
Legislation & Enforcement: To protect planted trees and existing forests, the campaign includes a regulatory dimension—prohibiting indiscriminate tree felling, establishing penalties for violations
Maintenance & Monitoring: Planting is just stage one. WECCMA will coordinate post-planting maintenance, survival checks and community stewardship to ensure high survival rates and meaningful growth.
Over 30 hectares of degraded land have already been recovered through planting efforts under ACReSAL in collaboration with WECCMA
Several thousand seedlings have been planted along key roads and in public spaces.
Distribution of millions of seedlings to households and communities.
Obtain seedlings: Residents are encouraged to visit designated centers to collect free tree seedlings, plant them in their compound, community or along public spaces, and nurture them.
Join a planting event: Community-based tree-planting days will be organized and you can volunteer through your local ward or community development association.
Become a tree steward: Monitor and care for planted trees, water them during dry spells, protect them from damage and link with WECCMA for technical support or reporting issues.
Advocate & educate: Encourage others—schools, youth groups, religious organisations—to adopt tree planting as part of their activities. The more we involve the youth and institutions, the stronger our impact.
Report illegal tree cutting: If you see unauthorized felling of trees, please report to your LG environment office or WECCMA bureau so that laws are enforced and our green spaces are protected.
With successful implementation, the 3 million-tree initiative will help:
Lower ambient temperatures in built environments and reduce heatstress.
Stabilise soils, reduce erosion and protect farmlands, especially in rural districts.
Increase green cover, improve air quality and create a healthier environment for families.
Enhance community resilience to climate-shocks (drought, sand-storms, desertification).
Create green jobs (nursery management, planting crews, maintenance teams) and stimulate local economic activity.
Promote environmental consciousness and sustainable behaviours across generations.
WECCMA will publish periodic updates and progress reports on seedling numbers, survival rates, districts covered, and community engagements. Stakeholders will be invited to participate in audits and review meetings. To support transparency, the campaign is linked with ACReSAL’s metrics and the Kano State Afforestation Project.
For more information, to partner, or to pick up seedlings:
Contact the WECCMA / Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, Kano State
Visit local government environment offices
Follow updates on official social media handles and announcements
