Foundation urges adoption of vetiver grass to curb erosion in Adamawa

YOLA —The Alimat Care Foundation (ACF) has introduced vetiver grass as a nature-based solution to combat soil erosion and restore degraded land in Gella community, Mubi South Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa.

Mr Ibrahim Bello, Executive Director ACF, disclosed this at a knowledge management and project close-out workshop, in Mubi South.

He said the project, titled “Indigenous Erosion Control Through Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices,” was designed to address soil erosion through nature-based solutions.

He said the initiative was being implemented under the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF SGP).

According to him, vetiver grass has emerged as one of the most effective nature-based solutions for soil and water conservation.

He explained that the grass develops deep vertical roots reaching three to four metres under suitable conditions, helping bind soil particles and strengthen slope stability.

“Unlike many grasses that spread horizontally, vetiver forms dense root networks that reduce the risk of soil erosion.

“Vetiver grass Is particularly effective in controlling gully erosion, landslides and runoff-induced land degradation.

‘It is also resilient to drought, flooding and varying soil conditions, making it a climate-smart and cost-effective alternative to erosion-control, ” he said.

Bello said soil erosion remained one of the most persistent environmental challenges, threatening agricultural productivity, ecosystems and the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

He said increasing rainfall and extreme weather caused by climate change had increased the need for sustainable, affordable and locally adaptable erosion-control measures.

Bello said the foundation introduced vetiver grass because of its extensive root system, which stabilises soil and effectively controls erosion.

He attributed worsening soil erosion in Gella to erratic rainfall, deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable land-use practices.

He said the land degradation had reduced soil fertility and reduced available farmland, in the community, affecting agricultural productivity.

“This made the foundation to establish a community nursery and mobilise residents to cultivate and plant vetiver grass across erosion-prone sites.

“The initiative is designed to strengthen community resilience while promoting sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration, “he said.