To combat land degradation, farmers were trained in and engaged in mutual exchanges to learn from each other about various organic farming methods including crop sequencing. Forest area was also rehabilitated mainly through the planting of endangered fruit and nut trees.

Nature-based Intervention:

An initiative implemented by the NGO Rural Infrastructures Services for Under-Served Populations (RISEUP) aims to combat land degradation in order to restore key poverty-reducing ecosystem services. The main tenets of the intervention included the implementation of organic farming methods, simple irrigation practices to better manage soil and water resources, and increasing access to high-quality, drought-resistant hybrid seeds. More specifically, organic farming practices that were taught and implemented included crop scheduling, sequential growing to provide space for fertilization from crop detritus, grafting and nurturing of vegetables that struggle to propagate naturally, mulching, and composting. These methods were often carried out on “demonstration” plots which allowed for learning and exchanges between farmers as the project advanced. Furthermore, extensive tree planting was carried out to restore forest in the area and provide edible non-timber forest products such as nuts and fruit. The community propagated over 4,000 threatened afang vine and bush mango seedlings, which have been planted out as part of the reforestation effort.

Overview of context and outcomes:

Majority of farmers in Obudu in the Cross River State of Nigeria cultivate small-scale plots of less than one hectare. The area suffers significant impacts from human-induced land degradation compounded by irregular and unpredictable rainfall, flooding, land degradation, and low agricultural productivity. Due to these human-induced and environmental stresses, several indigenous plant varieties are under threat including popular crops that provide food security for millions of people cross the country.