From Threats to Treasures: A Climate Story from Koton Karfe
For years, Saleh Bara’atu, the Secretary of Youth in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, carried a belief that many in her community shared: trees were more harmful than helpful. Their deep roots, she thought, destroyed houses, while their vulnerability to strong winds made them a threat rather than a blessing.
“Whenever I saw a big tree near a house, I thought it was dangerous,” Saleh admitted. “I believed it was only a matter of time before the roots damaged walls or a storm knocked it down.”
But her perspective began to shift when she encountered the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA2) Project, an initiative implemented in Kogi State by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) in partnership with the Chachavivi Women and Girl Child Development Foundation. Through trainings and community sensitisation, Saleh and others were introduced to the true value of trees and their role in environmental sustainability.
She learned that not all trees posed risks to houses. In fact, certain species could be planted close to homes without causing structural damage, while still offering shade, improving air quality, and helping to regulate the climate. Trees, she realised, were not “house destroyers” but guardians of balance in nature.
“I never knew that trees could help fight climate change and protect our communities,” she said. “Now, I see them as allies, not enemies.”
The GLA2 Project didn’t stop at tree planting. It also introduced charcoal stoves to communities like Koton Karfe, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to firewood. The impact was swift and noticeable. With fewer households relying on firewood, the pressure to cut down trees has drastically reduced.
“Before, we depended heavily on firewood,” Saleh explained. “But today, with the charcoal stove, using firewood has almost gone into exile. We cook faster, cleaner, and our trees are no longer disappearing.”
For Saleh, the journey has been one of transformation and empowerment. She now speaks passionately to fellow youth and community members about the benefits of tree planting and sustainable cooking practices. What once seemed like ordinary trees now symbolise resilience, climate action, and a better future for her community.
The story of Koton Karfe reflects the wider mission of the GLA2 Project: changing perceptions, building knowledge, and creating sustainable solutions that protect both people and the environment. Thanks to this intervention, trees are no longer feared as destroyers—they are embraced as protectors of life.
