Keeping Trees Alive, One Branch at a Time: Maryam Talatu’s Call for Climate-Friendly Cooking in Koton Karfe

In the bustling community of Koton Karfe, Kogi State, Bala Maryam Talatu, the Women Leader, has become a strong voice for environmental preservation and women’s empowerment. Armed with knowledge gained from the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA2) Project, implemented by Women Environmental Programme (WEP) in partnership with Chachavivi Women and Girl Child Development Foundation, she has taken it upon herself to sensitize the women in her community on the dangers of indiscriminate tree cutting. 

Maryam shared that many women, out of necessity, often resort to felling entire trees to gather firewood for cooking. This practice, while convenient in the short term, contributes to deforestation, environmental degradation, and worsens the effects of climate change that already threaten rural communities. 

But thanks to the awareness she gained through the project, Maryam is now offering practical alternatives. She encourages women to use only tree branches instead of cutting down whole trees, reminding them that as long as the tree remains rooted, new branches will sprout again. This simple but powerful shift in mindset, she believes, will help protect the community’s forest resources while still meeting household cooking needs. 

Maryam also highlighted the introduction of the charcoal stove, an innovation promoted under the GLA2 Project. She acknowledged its efficiency, durability, and the fact that it makes cooking easier regardless of the weather. However, with a price tag of ₦10,000, the stove remains out of reach for many women in her community who struggle to make ends meet. 

“With the charcoal stove, we can reduce our dependence on firewood and protect our trees,” she explained passionately. “But many women cannot afford it. That is why I am calling for the price to be subsidized, so more families can buy it and join in this fight for our environment.” 

Her advocacy reflects the growing awareness in Koton Karfe that protecting the environment and easing women’s daily burdens go hand in hand. Maryam’s voice is not just about trees, it’s about preserving livelihoods, promoting resilience, and ensuring that women are part of the climate solution. 

Through her leadership, the women of Koton Karfe are beginning to see that small changes like choosing branches over tree trunks, or adopting cleaner cooking methods can make a lasting difference for both their families and their environment.