Stop Bush Fires Project in Biakoye District

Nkosec 93 Foundation is a registered non-governmental and not-for-profit Organisation. The Foundation identified bush fire as one of the major challenges facing Biakoye District in the Oti Region. Every year bush fires destroy forest reserves, farms, and the environment in general. There are few formal effective strategies to facilitate the prevention of bushfires in the District. The effects are rampant bush fires causing a reduction in soil fertility, destruction of food crops, and reduction in crop yield.

The goal of the Stop Bush Fire Project was to promote sustainable environment, and nature conservation. It sought to preserve vegetation, protect farmers’ investment and to promote a culture of nature conservation through bush fire prevention. From January to March 2021, the Foundation successfully embarked on series of activities to promote sustainable environment, and nature conservation. The activities also sensitize the target communities on the need to preserve vegetation, protect farmers’ investment to promote bush fire prevention. Social Media Campaign, Radio Stations Publicity, and Community Durbars were used to inform, persuade and remind various stakeholders on the need to stop bush fire and promote nature conservation. Some farmers were given farm boots and cutlasses as incentive. It is believe that the Project has had a positive impact on the various communities in the District. It is also expected that there will be an attitudinal change towards bush fires.

The Project encounter some challenges, notable are the late start of the Project, Covid 19 restrictions and Potential Partners Apathy.

The Foundation will be embarking on Tree Planting and Beekeeping Project in the District in June 2021. It will also continue with Phase Two of the Stop Bush Fire Project in December 2021.