19/04/2026
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SITE SELECTION, AND GIS-BASED SURVEYING FOR OIL PALM PLANTATION AND AGROFORESTRY BEST PRACTICES USING GROUNDNUT AS A COVER CROP IN TARKA LGA, BENUE STATE
The Benue State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project Benue Acresal , through its implementing partner, Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative (CLHEI), conducted a community engagement, site selection, and preliminary GIS-based surveying exercise in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.
The objective of the exercise was to promote inclusive stakeholder participation, enhance awareness of sustainable agricultural practices, and identify and accurately delineate suitable sites for the establishment of an oil palm plantation and a cover cropping initiative.
📍In Adzomun community, the team was formally received by Zaki David M. Atule, while in Mbamyar 2 community, the team was received by Zaki Terkaa Liam.
Adzomun Community: 🌴 Oil Palm Plantation Site Selection
In Adzomun community, the exercise focused on identifying and surveying a suitable site for the proposed oil palm plantation. The engagement involved consultations with community leaders, farmers, youth groups, and women representatives to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and collective ownership of the initiative.
The CLHEI team sensitized participants on the economic and environmental benefits of oil palm cultivation, emphasizing its potential to improve household income, generate employment, and enhance long-term land productivity.
Following the engagement, a detailed field assessment and GIS-supported survey of proposed lands were conducted to determine site suitability, capture geospatial data, and clearly define boundaries. A site was subsequently selected based on key criteria, including soil quality, accessibility, land size, and community consent. The surveyed land was confirmed to be suitable for sustainable oil palm production.
📍Mbamyar 2 Community: Groundnut Cover Cropping Initiative
In Mbamyar 2 community, the activity focused on the selection and surveying of a one-hectare plot for cover cropping using groundnut. Community members were engaged and sensitized on the importance of cover cropping, particularly its role in improving soil fertility, reducing erosion, conserving soil moisture, and enhancing overall farm productivity.
Groundnut was identified as a suitable cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing capacity and economic value. A careful field assessment and GIS-based survey were conducted, taking into account soil condition, drainage, and accessibility, while also capturing accurate spatial data of the selected plot.
At the conclusion of the exercise, a one-hectare plot was successfully selected, mapped, and mutually agreed upon by stakeholders for the implementation of the initiative.
💬 Community Response and Key Observations
The response from both communities was positive and encouraging, with participants expressing strong willingness to support and sustain the project. Community leaders pledged their commitment to safeguarding the selected sites and mobilizing local participation.
Farmers demonstrated keen interest in adopting the improved agricultural practices introduced during the engagement. Although minor concerns related to land ownership and boundary delineation were raised, these were amicably resolved through dialogue. The use of GIS tools further enhanced accuracy, transparency, and proper documentation of site boundaries.
The community engagement, site selection, and GIS-supported surveying exercise was successfully conducted and achieved its intended objectives. The identification and precise delineation of suitable sites in Adzomun and Mbamyar 2, coupled with strong community support, provide a solid foundation for the effective implementation of ACReSAL interventions in Tarka Local Government Area.
The planned establishment of the oil palm plantation and the agroforestry🌿 initiative integrating groundnut as a cover crop is expected to improve soil fertility, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.
🚀 What Next?
Sustained community engagement, timely provision of inputs, and continuous monitoring will be critical to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the project.
Benue Acresal
Benue State Government
Civil Society Organizations, Benue State
