From Concrete Jungle to fruitful havens: using fruit trees on road medians and roadsides

Every day, navigating Nigeria’s bustling cities, we observe road medians and neglected verges along roadsides. These green strips, often adorned with exotic flowers or trimmed hedges, offer aesthetics but little practical purpose for the average Nigerian. What if, instead of mere decoration, these spaces teemed with life-giving sustenance? Imagine ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, or juicy guavas, all within arm’s reach. Planting fruit trees in these public areas isn’t a fantasy; it’s a practical, profoundly Nigerian solution to combat hunger, beautify urban landscapes, and demonstrate true fiscal wisdom.

Food insecurity is a harsh reality in Nigerian cities, with rising prices pushing many families to struggle for fresh, nutritious meals. Public fruit trees offer a free, sustainable source of nutrition. Imagine a weary okada rider plucking a mango, or a market vendor supplementing dinner with guavas—all without cost or stigma. Initiatives in cities like São Paulo and parts of Kenya show success without chaos. Beyond immediate hunger relief, this fosters community spirit through communal harvests, integrates sustainability into school lessons, and reduces reliance on costly welfare programs by leveraging nature.

While ornamental trees offer beauty, fruit trees are equally, if not more, charming. Blossoming citrus perfumes the air, mango trees provide lush shade, and avocado trees offer a rich canopy. Beyond aesthetics, they actively improve our environment. Fruit trees absorb carbon dioxide, combat urban heat islands, and support vital pollinators like bees. Unlike purely decorative species, they contribute to local ecosystems by feeding birds and insects. Fallen fruit enriches soil naturally, contrasting with ornamental landscapes often reliant on chemical fertilisers and intensive maintenance.

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Sceptics might perceive higher maintenance costs for fruit trees. However, many native Nigerian fruit species—like mango, guava, cashew, soursop, and pawpaw—are remarkably hardy, drought-resistant, and require minimal care once established. They thrive with less intervention than delicate ornamental plants that demand constant pruning and replacement.

The long-term savings for local government areas (LGAs) and state governments are compelling:

Reduced food aid costs: Free nutrition alleviates pressure on social welfare budgets.

Lower landscaping expenses: Hardy fruit trees need less upkeep than high-maintenance decorative species, saving taxpayer money.

Economic boosts: Innovative green policies can attract eco-conscious tourists and spark local fruit processing businesses.

This isn’t just idealism; it’s smart economics for Nigeria. Our taxpayer money should work efficiently, and fruit trees deliver tangible returns where ornamental plants do not.

Addressing concerns: Practical Nigerian solutions

No bold policy is without challenges. Concerns about rotting fruit or overharvesting are easily managed with practical, community-oriented solutions:

Select low-mess varieties: Focus on fruits like cashew, guava, or specific citrus that minimise waste.

Organise community harvests: Structured events ensure fair distribution, prevent spoilage, and foster ownership.

Encourage civic pride: “Adopt-a-tree” or “adopt-a-median/roadside” programs empower residents in maintenance.

Waste management: Integrate fallen fruit into composting or designate collection points for organic waste.

The fear of “free food leading to chaos” is overblown. We trust citizens to share communal boreholes and public amenities; why not fruit trees? This initiative empowers citizens, fostering order and shared responsibility.

A simple idea with ripple effects for Nigeria

Planting fruit trees in road medians and along our roadsides across Nigeria is more than a feel-good gesture; it’s a policy deeply rooted in pragmatism and tailored for our unique context. It addresses fundamental issues like hunger and food security without bureaucratic layers. It enhances our urban ecology, combating pollution and heat, without necessarily incurring extra cost. Most importantly, it demonstrates profound fiscal responsibility by maximising the utility of every public space, transforming it from mere decoration into a vibrant, productive asset.

The seeds of change are ready. It’s time for Nigeria to plant them.

Chris Uwadoka wrote via [email protected]