In recent, and particularly this year, residents of the Northwest and Northeast Nigeria have found themselves on the frontlines of the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, destructive floods, and the steady creep of desertification are no longer distant threats but realities that are reshaping lives and livelihoods in these predominantly farming regions. Yet, amid these challenges, there is a growing sense of unity and action as communities come together to build resilience and adapt to the shifting climate.
By Abdallah el-Kurebe
The regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and farmers, who have relied on traditional seasonal patterns for generations, are now facing uncertainty as the weather grows more unpredictable. Crops that once thrived are now struggling, food security is in jeopardy, and families that depend on farming are finding it harder to make ends meet. The encroachment of the Sahara Desert is taking over once-fertile lands, turning farms into barren stretches, while floods are threatening both the environment and the regions’ economies.
The urgency for climate action in the Northwest and Northeast is undeniable. Agriculture is the backbone of life here, and when farming is disrupted, the entire community feels the ripple effects. That’s why efforts should be made not only to tackle the immediate impacts but also to create long-term solutions that will help communities adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Governmental and institutional collaborations for climate action
A variety of stakeholders—local farmers, government bodies, NGOs like the Go Green Project Nigeria, the Media, Environmental Activists, and international partners such as the UNEP, IOM, etc— should come together and work hand-in-hand to devise strategies tailored to the unique needs of these regions. This kind of cooperation is crucial because no single group can solve such a complex issue alone. By pooling resources and expertise, they can create solutions that address the specific climate challenges that they face.
It is imperative to state that such collaborative efforts are being made by individual groups, aimed at enhancing the required resilience. On August 15th, 2024, the Department of Environmental Management of the Usmanu Danfofiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) in collaboration with the Green Project Nigeria, organized a recent webinar themed: “Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience: Leveraging Governmental and Institutional Collaboration for Climate Action to Enhance Community Resilience and Adaptation.”
The Keynote address “Leveraging Governmental and Institutional Collaborations for Climate Action: Enhancing Resilience and Community Development” was delivered by Prof. Tajudeen Sanni, the Head, Center for Transformative Environmental and Marine Law, Villa College / Research Fellow, One Ocean Hub (University of Strathclyde, UK and Nelson Mandela University Research Consortium.
While Prof. Mike Hardman of the University of Salford, UK made a presentation on “Collaborative Green Futures: Urban Greening for Climate Action and Opportunities”, a moderator of one of the sessions at the webinar, Abdallah el-Kurebe, in the absence of Prof. Emeritus Engr. Abubakar Sani Sambo, the President of the Nigeria Academic of Science, shared insights on the topic, “Green Investments: Unlocking Carbon Financing for Sustainable Forestry and Community Growth”.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), Senior Project Assistant at IOM – UN Migration, Abuja Nigeria, Elizabeth Oladimeji, in her presentation, “Tackling Challenges: Climate Change, Resource Scarcity, and Migration in Northern Nigeria”, stressed the importance of, among others, “multi-stakeholder collaboration to foster partnerships between government, NGOs, and communities to implement effective climate resilience strategies.” The Lead Moderator, who also anchored the webinar, was Dr. Juma Kasadha of the School of Communication, Media and Journalism, Wenzhou-Kean University, Hong Kong.
One of the major areas of focus has been agriculture. Climate-smart practices should be introduced to help farmers not only survive but improve their yields despite the challenging conditions. For instance, farmers should be made to learn how to plant drought-resistant crops, use water more efficiently, and adopt organic farming techniques. These strategies not only help protect food production but also ensure that families have a steady income.
Reforestation and afforestation efforts should also be gaining ground. By planting native trees that can survive in this harsh climate, these initiatives aim to stop the advance of the desert while restoring degraded land. These green belts should be made to act as a buffer against desertification, bringing ecological benefits and giving communities a fighting chance to reclaim their environment.
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But tackling climate change isn’t just about planting trees or adopting new farming techniques. It’s also about empowering the people of the Northeast and Northwest to take control of their future. Therefore, local communities should be equipped with the knowledge and tools that they need to adapt. Training programs would teach sustainable farming, water conservation, and disaster preparedness—skills that will prove invaluable as climate challenges grow more intense.
Role of women and the youth in resilient climate action
Women, who are often the backbone of agricultural work in these regions, should be strengthened to be the major focus of these efforts. They should be trained in climate-smart techniques and form cooperatives to support each other as they navigate the new realities of farming in a changing climate. If women are empowered, these initiatives will create stronger, more resilient communities.
Similarly, young people should be brought into the fold. Climate education programs should be rolled out to inspire the next generation to take action and care for their environment. By fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship, these initiatives will ensure that the fight against climate change will continue in the years to come.
Role of governments in resilient climate action
The governments should be seen to be playing a key role in these efforts, with policies aimed at sustainable land use, water management, and environmental protection. The success of these policies relies heavily on collaboration with local communities and civil society groups. Only by listening to those most affected by climate change can the government ensure that its policies are effective and relevant.
The Northeast and Northwest regions’ battle against climate change should be a collaborative effort. This is because there is still a long road ahead. These partnerships between government, communities, and organizations should set the stage for more resilient Northwest-Northeast regions — one that can face the future with strength and adaptability.
The lessons being learned by these regions from the effects of climate change, serve as a model for other regions facing similar climate challenges. The two regions’ story underscores the importance of working together, building capacity, and having supportive policies to combat one of the greatest threats of our time.
The recent Maiduguri flood has displaced an estimated 414,000 residents who now shelter in about 30 makeshift camps. More so, according to the IOM Flood Situation Report, the Jigawa flood affected 257,236 population, with 665 casualties recorded, 21,252 houses were completely damaged and another 18,384 houses were partially damaged. Also, 94,893 population were displaced, and 37,282 farmlands were affected.
In Sokoto state, the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), done in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SSEMA), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), identified 53 locations that were impacted by floods or received internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to flooding.
According to the report, “In the 10 local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State that were assessed, DTM identified 56,308 individuals in 10,808 households affected by the floods. These individuals included IDPs who were displaced by the floods and residents who were impacted by the floods but remained in their communities. The affected population included 14,994 displaced individuals. Forty-three per cent (43%) of the affected houses were habitable but need repair, thirty-one per cent were partially damaged, and 26 per cent were destroyed. In 60 per cent (60%) of the locations assessed, crop farming was among the primary sources of income.”
Following these events, the fight against climate change in the Northwest and Northeast is not over, and the steps to be taken should be proof that through collaboration, we can find solutions. And as these efforts continue to grow, they will be crucial in creating a Northeast-Northwest that is better equipped to face the challenges of a changing world.
Abdallah el-Kurebe is an environmental journalist and the Editor-in-Chief of ASHENEWS.
