What’s going on here?
In a remarkable display of unity and determination, Nigeria’s grassroots activists are joining forces to confront the formidable challenge of climate change, spanning from the arid landscapes of Bauchi State to the oil-rich Niger Delta. In the country’s northern regions like Bauchi desertification looms large, encroaching on a staggering 63.83% of Nigeria’s total land area. The grassroots warriors plant trees, share knowledge, and resist desertification, not just for the planet but to protect our homes.
What does this mean?
The Niger Delta, a region grappling with the alarming rise of sea levels, is facing ecological chaos that endangers local communities. At the heart of the battle, social mobilisation emerges as the linchpin for enhancing climate resilience and addressing these multifaceted issues. Community-based organisations and civil society groups play a pivotal role in orchestrating these vital efforts.
Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, located in the northern reaches of Nigeria, the threat of severe desertification casts a long shadow, affecting 50 to 75% of front-line states. Recent annual report suggests a loss of 400,000 hectares of arable land to desertification, which is gradually advancing southward, and underscores the gravity of the situation as about 62 million Nigerians are affected directly and indirectly. Here, the Great Green Wall initiative, steered by the National Agency for Great Green Wall, stands as a critical bulwark.
Why should we care?
The unity and tenacity of Nigeria’s grassroots champions in the fight against climate change carry profound global implications. The climate-related challenges plaguing the Niger Delta encompass the spheres of agriculture, water resources, and food security, necessitating a grassroots mobilisation to foster resilience and sustainability. In the north, the encroaching deserts pose a stark threat to 63.83% of Nigeria’s landmass, impacting an astounding 400,000 hectares of lost land.
These grassroots activists are proactively engaged in tree-planting, knowledge-sharing, and steadfast resistance against both desertification and the perilous rise of sea levels. In Bauchi State, the battle against desertification is a crucial pillar supporting global climate stability, emphasising the profound interconnectedness of climate issues and the urgent need for collective action.
A 2022 report has further highlighted the economic risks, estimating that deforestation in the south and desertification in the north could cost Nigeria a staggering $460 billion by 2050, further underscoring the pressing need for immediate and sustained action. The fight against desertification contributes to global climate system stability, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate issues and the urgency of collective action.
Be curious
- Read more on initiatives such as the Great Green Wall Initiative and find out how to support local community efforts.
- Dive into our archives and see how you can support your planet.
- Support and advocate for the resolution of environmental damages in the Niger Delta.
