In the arid landscapes of Yobe and Borno states, desertification is forcing farmers to abandon once fertile lands. Experts say the Sahara Desert advances by nearly 600 meters annually, swallowing villages and farms in its path. For smallholder farmers, this means shrinking harvests, food insecurity, and forced migration.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that 35% of Northern Nigeria’s land is under threat. Communities that once thrived on millet and sorghum farming now struggle to produce enough to sustain themselves. ‘Our wells are drying, and our children are leaving for the cities,’ says Malam Abubakar, a farmer in Damaturu.
Government responses, such as the Great Green Wall Initiative, have made some progress in planting shelterbelts of trees. However, experts argue that poor maintenance and funding gaps hinder long-term success. Civil society groups in Maiduguri are experimenting with drought-resistant crops and water harvesting methods.
Without urgent action, desertification could worsen conflicts over land and water resources in Northern Nigeria. Analysts recommend stronger local participation in environmental programs, investment in irrigation, and better integration of traditional knowledge with modern solutions.
