In the arid and remote corners of Yobe, a northeastern state in Nigeria, communities are facing a dire environmental crisis. The vast and relentless desert landscapes are inching closer to these settlements, posing a significant threat to the livelihoods of the local populace.
The town of Toshia, situated within the Yunusari local government area and near the Niger border, stands as a stark example of this encroaching threat. The journey to Toshia is challenging, involving travel in old, overcrowded four-wheel drives that navigate the soft, expansive sand dunes. Passengers, crammed into every available space, endure the bumpy ride, a testament to the region’s difficult terrain and the hardships faced by its residents.
Bulama Mele, a 40-year-old father of eight, vividly remembers his childhood when his family was compelled to move their farming activities to Niger due to the advancing desert. Today, Mele faces a similar plight. After losing his farms in Toshia to the desert, he now endures a tough daily commute to his farm in Niger, a journey emblematic of the challenges posed by the desertification.
The desert’s encroachment has not only complicated travel but also drastically altered the living conditions of the area. As the desert expands, land becomes increasingly scarce, forcing residents to reclaim and rebuild in areas previously abandoned. The village head, Maigari Isa Bukar, and many others in the community have suffered significant losses. Dozens of farms have been devoured by the desert, leading to acute food shortages.
In the past, Bukar’s farm was a source of bountiful harvests, yielding a variety of crops. However, current conditions have drastically reduced his yield due to decreased rainfall and deteriorating farming conditions. The scarcity of grass has also severely impacted livestock, causing reduced milk production and even deaths from starvation-related diseases.
The nearby community of Tulo-Tulo in the Yusufari local government area, also on the desert’s edge, echoes Toshia’s challenges. Dauda Maigari, a local farmer, describes the situation as extremely critical. The desert has consumed numerous farms, including his own, posing a serious threat to his ability to provide for his extensive family.
Lawan Cheri, a lecturer in public administration, warns that the desert’s advance into Yobe at a rate of approximately 0.6 kilometres per year is a concerning issue. This advancement is further complicated by the reduction in tree numbers and changes in rainfall patterns, as highlighted by Usman Ali Busuguma, regional director of the African Climate Change Research Centre (ACCREC).
The roots of this environmental crisis can be traced back to significant deforestation, driven by the dependency of low-income households on wood for cooking. Since the last census in 2006, Yobe’s population has grown considerably, leading to increased demand for agricultural land and cooking fuel. Recent governmental decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have compounded these challenges, making affordable cooking gas scarce and hindering the adoption of irrigation farming.
Climate change has exacerbated these issues, altering the growth patterns of plants and increasing the vulnerability of topsoil to wind erosion. In response, there have been calls for urgent reforestation. Advocates like Cheri promote agroforestry to protect farmlands, and past government-led tree planting initiatives have shown some positive outcomes.
The African Union’s Great Green Wall initiative, launched in 2007 to combat desertification in the Sahel, faced implementation challenges in Nigeria. Critics attribute these challenges to corruption and a lack of community involvement, while others view the project as ambitious but falling short of expectations.
Despite past setbacks, the government’s latest tree-planting efforts, including the installation of a borehole to aid watering, offer a glimmer of hope. However, residents like Mele continue to call for more comprehensive government assistance to effectively combat the desert’s encroachment and alleviate their suffering.
