On major environmental problem of desertification in Northern Nigeria with sustainable efforts to managing it
| Pages | 18-30 |
| Date | 04 January 2016 |
| Published date | 04 January 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-06-2015-0035 |
| Author | Njidda Mamadu Gadzama,Haruna Kuje Ayuba |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
On major environmental
problem of desertification
in Northern Nigeria with
sustainable efforts to managing it
Njidda Mamadu Gadzama
Biotechnology Centre of Excellence, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri,
Borno State, Nigeria, and
Haruna Kuje Ayuba
Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to show the extent of desertification and land degradation as
threat to sustainable environmental, agricultural and land development in the Sahel of Nigeria with its
consequences; with also some efforts to control desertification.
Design/methodology/approach –Several desertification attenuation projects in Nigeria are
employing different methods for maximum benefits obtainable from the objectives) of the particular
project. Specific methods will be cited for particular projects mentioned as appropriate. It is noted
however that environmental impact assessment, community reconnaissance or needs assessments
were initial part of pre-project activities.
Findings –Desertification has reached an alarming state in Nigeria. The frontline desert threatened
States of Nigeria constitute 40 per cent of the land mass of the country. With increased pressure of
desertification, exacerbated by a period of prolonged drought of about 20 years, climate change and
human activities, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain sustainability in the management of the
fragile lands and the region’s ecosystem. Strategic interventions in combating the problem of
desertification in Nigeria have attenuated some of the detrimental social, economic and environmental
impacts on the affected communities of the Sahel of the country. Programmes and projects are
designed to strengthen the resilience of the people in the affected region with sound ecosystems’
management; support the efforts of the communities resulting in increased agricultural yields.
Programmes and projects have strengthened the resilience of the people, participating in sand dune
stabilization, the Great Green Wall Sahara Sahel Initiative and other shelterbelt development.
Government has sustained inputs in environmentally friendly agriculture and also encouraged
synergetic collaborative activities with national agencies, international agencies and local institutions.
Originality/value –These results/activities give evidence of the increased public awareness of
environmental degradation due to desertification in Nigeria; the realization in environmental
stabilization needs with ready participation of the communities for improved livelihoods in arid
agriculture; resulting in internalization of these problems for Nigeria.
Keywords Sustainable development, Technology adoption, Climate change,
Sustainable environment, Development policies, Renewable energy
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Desertification, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
refers to land degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas resulting from factors
such as human pressure on fragile eco-systems, deforestation and climate change. The
terms desertification and land degradation are mostly used interchangeably and
closely linked to drought.
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 13 No. 1, 2016
pp. 18-30
©Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-06-2015-0035
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
18
WJSTSD
13,1
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