Conservationists learn tree management and propagation practices from iita forest center

IITA-CGIAR conducted a Tree Management and Propagation workshop for conservationists from Crescendo Africa, from 14 to 16 November. Crescendo Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving endangered species, protecting forests, and restoring degraded forests through community-based initiatives that foster sustainable development in Plateau State, Nigeria.

IITA Capacity Development Office and IITA Forest Center facilitated the robust 3-day workshop that covered nursery establishment and tending operations; seed collection, extraction, cleaning, and storage; tree management; vegetative propagation; and garden management. Speaking on the expected outcomes for their training, Crescendo Team Lead Andrew Niagwana said, “To acquire more skills to promote our afforestation and conservation projects.”

IITA Field Supervisor Olukunle Olasupo emphasized the importance of understanding the terrain and soil best suited for specific tree species to thrive. He identified an important phase of nursery establishment and tending operations called hardening up, where seedlings are deprived of water and shade in quantified degrees to prepare them for adaptation to the harsh terrains of the open field where they will be transplanted.

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