Prioritization of Desertification as an Nature based solution issue in nigeria

1. Identification of a Nature-based
solution issue to be prioritized by
FCDO over the next 2-3 years
By
Ikechukwu Mbachu (PhD)
26TH January, 2023

2. Introduction
Nigeria grapples with a myriad
of environmental issues
Flooding
Desertification
Erosion
Deforestation
Choosing a single nature-based solution
(NBS) issue as the top priority is a
delicate task
Source: Pona, et al (2017)

3. Prioritization Criteria
Nature of Impact
Scope and extent
Urgency
Cost
Feasibility and Scalability
Alignment with Strategic
Priorities
DESERTIFICATION = HIGH
IMPACT NBS ISSUE IN
NIGERIA

4. Why prioritize Desertification?
Nature of the issues/challenge:
Desertification is an ongoing and continuous hazard
Extent of Desertification:
Impacts 15 northern states (Olagunju, 2015)
These states represent 35% of Nigeria's total landmass
(Punch Newspaper, 2020)
1,350 square miles of land is lost to the desert each year
(Caron, 2020)
Affected Population: Approximately 30 million Nigerians
(17% of the population) suffer the consequences of
desertification (Ibrahim, et al., 2022)
Urgency and Impact
Desertification encroaches southward at an alarming
rate of 0.6 km per year, engulfing around 351,000
hectares of cropland and rangeland annually
(Ibrahim, et al., 2022)

5. Cost
Desertification costs Nigeria an estimated $5.1
billion annually in lost agricultural productivity
(Oloukoi, Gbenga, & Langyit, 2018).
Agricultural and Livelihoods Loss: Over 40 million
people in desert-affected areas threatened by
desertification (Isaac, 2017).
Alignment with NDC
Combating desertification aligns with Nigeria's
NDC and its commitment to sustainable land
management.
Why prioritize Desertification?

6. How: Proposed Prioritization Strategies
Scale-up successful NBS
Identify existing successful NBS projects in Nigeria
Leverage with existing programs
Align desertification initiatives with existing programs
Building capacity and networks
Prioritize training and knowledge exchange programs for NGOs, communities
etc
Focus on equity and inclusivity
Ensure that NbS benefits reach marginalized communities.
Incentivizing sustainable land use
Implement financial incentives such as subsidies or carbon credits.

7. How: Actionable Steps
Step 1
• Clearly define the objectives and goals for addressing desertification in Nigeria.
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify priority areas for intervention and
potential NBS solutions.
• Launch pilot projects for promising NBS technologies in collaboration with local partners.
• Develop and implement robust M&E systems for all NBS projects.
• Conduct training workshops and capacity building programs for communities.
• Initiate policy dialogue with the Nigerian government to identify key policy reforms.
Step 2:
• Scale up successful pilot projects based on M&E data and lessons learned.
• Advocate for policy reforms through workshops, conferences, and engagement with
decision-makers.
Step 3:
• Showcase the success of NBS interventions to attract further investment and support.

8. Conclusion
In summary, combating desertification aligns strategically with FCDO's
objectives by promoting sustainable development, building resilience, supporting
economic growth, fostering collaboration, and directly contributing to the
priorities outlined in Nigeria's NDC.
This alignment underscores the effectiveness and relevance of FCDO's
interventions in addressing critical environmental challenges.

9. References
• Caron, L. (2020). The Threat Multiplier: Analyzing the Relationship between Climate Change and the Emergence of. Harvard
University Division of Continuing Education. Retrieved from
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/37367511/Caron%2C%20Louis-Philippe_2020-Nov.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
• Ibrahim, E. S., Ahmed, B., Arodudu, O. T., Abubakar , J. B., Dang, B. A., Mahmoud, M. I., . . . Shamaki, S. B. (2022). Desertification in
the Sahel Region: A Product of Climate Change or Human Activities? A Case of Desert Encroachment Monitoring in North-Eastern
Nigeria Using Remote Sensing Techniques. Geographies, 2(2), 204-226. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies2020015
• Isaac, N. (2017). WDDD: Over 40M Nigerians Affected By Desertification – Mahmood. Newspaper. ScienceNigeria. Retrieved from
https://sciencenigeria.com/wddd-over-40m-nigerians-affected-by-desertification-mahmood/
• Olagunju, T. E. (2015). Drought, desertification and the Nigerian environment:A review. Journal of Ecology and the Natural
Environment, 7(7), 196-209. Retrieved from https://academicjournals.org/journal/JENE/article-abstract/4505E2154369
• Oloukoi, J., Gbenga, A. E., & Langyit, D. G. (2018). Desertification risk analysis and assessment in Northern Nigeria. Remote Sensing
Applications: Society and Environment, 11, 70-82. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352938517300629#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20estimated%20that%2
0between%2050%25%20and%2075%25%20of,desertification%20(Kabara%2C%202013).
• Pona, H. T., Xiaoli, D., Ayantobo, O. O., & Tetteh, N. D. (2017). Environmental health situation in Nigeria: current status and future
needs. Heliyon, 7. Retrieved from https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2405844021004357
• Punch Newspaper. (2020). 35% Nigeria land mass threatened by desertification –FG. Punch Newspaper. Retrieved from
https://punchng.com/35-nigeria-land-mass-threatened-by-desertification-fg/

10. Thank you Questions?