Land degradation and desertification remain critical environmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. These issues not only threaten food security and biodiversity but also exacerbate poverty, migration, and conflict. As climate change accelerates, the urgency to address land degradation has never been greater.
In response, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has intensified efforts to mobilize youth and women to actively participate in restoring degraded lands. This initiative recognizes the power of young people and women as key drivers of change. By equipping them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, Nigeria can foster a more sustainable and resilient future for its drylands.
The Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative is a pan-African effort aimed at restoring Africa’s degraded landscapes and transforming the lives of millions of people in the Sahel region. Nigeria is one of the leading countries in this initiative, with the NAGGW spearheading efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management.
Recognizing the vital role that youth play in this mission, the NAGGW has long launched several programs to engage young people and women in land restoration activities. Notably, in 2022, the agency appointed three Nigerian youths—Fatima Aliyu Magaji, Musa Ibrahim, and Pius Ekomki—as Youth Champions for the Great Green Wall.
These individuals were selected through a transparent and open process and later represented Nigeria at the first edition of the Pan African Agency for the Great Green Wall ‘Green Youth Caravan’ in Senegal, Mauritania, and Mali from December 15th to 30th, 2022.
Their participation in this event highlighted the importance of youth engagement in environmental sustainability, climate awareness, and climate action. The experiences and lessons they gained underscore the need to expand youth and women participation in addressing land degradation and desertification in Nigeria.
Why Focus on Youth and Women?
Nigeria has a rapidly growing population, with a significant proportion comprising young people aged 18 to 35. Women also make up a considerable portion of the rural workforce, particularly in agriculture, which is heavily impacted by desertification. By empowering these groups, the country can unlock vast potential for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Youth bring innovation, enthusiasm, and resilience to the fight against desertification. With proper training and resources, they can drive afforestation projects, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, and champion conservation efforts.
Not a few agree that empowering women has lasting impact. Women are deeply connected to land use and food production. Their active participation in land restoration projects ensures more sustainable land management practices, improved household food security, and enhanced economic opportunities.
Building climate-resilient communities:
Researchers are of the view that engaging young people and women fosters community ownership of restoration projects, leading to long-term sustainability. It also helps mitigate the effects of desertification by promoting agroforestry, sustainable farming, and alternative livelihoods.
The NAGGW’s youth and women mobilization program is designed to transform degraded landscapes into thriving economic hubs. The initiative incorporates several nature-based solutions (NBS) that align with Nigeria’s broader development goals.
Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock, enhancing soil fertility and boosting agricultural productivity. By promoting tree planting among young people and women, Nigeria can reduce soil erosion, restore biodiversity, and improve livelihoods.
It is a known fact that training youth and women in climate-resilient farming techniques ensures that agricultural practices are adapted to changing climatic conditions. This includes techniques like drought-resistant crops, water conservation, and organic farming.
Land degradation often leads to poverty and migration. By providing alternative income sources, such as beekeeping, sustainable logging, and eco-tourism, communities can reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems and improve economic well-being. It is a measure for attaining sustainable livelihood.
In arid regions, water scarcity worsens desertification. Youth and women can be trained in rainwater harvesting, irrigation techniques, and watershed management to enhance water availability for agricultural and domestic use.
Encouraging young people to develop and use green technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation systems and bio-fertilizers, promotes sustainable development while addressing the challenges of desertification.
The vision of the Great Green Wall in Nigeria extends beyond environmental restoration—it is a blueprint for socio-economic transformation. By mobilizing youth and women, the initiative has the potential to turn degraded lands into flourishing economic centers.
The agency is transforming drylands into economic hubs through which it is helping Nigeria to achieve food security enhancement. By adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and agroforestry, communities in the affected regions can produce more food, reducing reliance on food imports and enhancing national food security.
Apart from that, there is also job creation and economic empowerment. Environmental experts have opined that engaging young people in land restoration opens opportunities for green jobs, from tree planting to eco-businesses. Women’s participation further strengthens economic resilience by diversifying income sources.
One easily identifiable benefit is the fact that the NAGGW is reducing climate-related conflicts that once threatened to tear Nigeria apart. Desertification fuels competition for scarce resources, often leading to conflict. Restoring land reduces migration and resource-based disputes, fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.
The Great Green Wall acts as a natural carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ emissions. This contributes to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation commitments, aligning with global environmental goals.
The NAGGW’s youth program encourages young Nigerians, particularly from the eleven frontline states, to volunteer and actively participate in the Great Green Wall initiative. Through training programs, workshops, and community engagement projects, young people and women can play a pivotal role in restoring Nigeria’s degraded lands.
By participating, they youths are expected to gain valuable skills in environmental conservation and sustainable land management; contribute to building climate-resilient communities; and become ambassadors of change, advocating for policy support and awareness.
According to industry experts, addressing land degradation and desertification requires a multi-stakeholder approach, with youth and women at the center of action. The National Agency for the Great Green Wall has already laid the foundation by engaging young people and women in its programs. However, to achieve lasting success, more individuals, organizations, and policymakers must support and expand these efforts.
Nigeria’s youth and women hold the key to a greener, more sustainable future. By mobilizing their energy, creativity, and resilience, the nation can transform its degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems and economic hubs. The time to act is now.
