Assessing desertification vulnerability and mitigation strategies in northern Nigeria: A comprehensive approach

Desertification constitutes a grave threat to the environmental and socio-economic stability of desertification frontline states in Northern Nigeria. From 2003 to 2020, this research comprehensively analyzes desertification vulnerability, integrating parameters such as NDVI, LST, TVDI, MSAVI, and Al...

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Published in:	Heliyon Vol. 10; no. 11; p. e31167
Main Authors:	Yahaya, Ibrahim I., Wang, Yongdong, Zhang, Zhijie, Inuwa, Abubakar Y., Zhao, Yazhou, You, Yuan, Basiru, Hamisu A., Ochege, Friday Uchenna, Na, Zhou, Ogbue, Chukwuka P., Muhammad, Murad, Mihertu, Yeneayehu F., Tanko, Isah A., Shoukat, Waseem
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	England Elsevier Ltd 15-06-2024 Elsevier
Subjects:	Desertification Land degradation Northern Nigeria Spatial patterns Trends Vulnerability Northern Nigeria Vulnerability Spatial patterns Trends Land degradation Desertification
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Desertification constitutes a grave threat to the environmental and socio-economic stability of desertification frontline states in Northern Nigeria. From 2003 to 2020, this research comprehensively analyzes desertification vulnerability, integrating parameters such as NDVI, LST, TVDI, MSAVI, and Albedo. Key factors contributing to land degradation are identified, along with the spatial patterns and trends of desertification over the two-decade period. The consequences are profound, with Northern Nigeria's ecosystem experiencing a steady decline in vegetation cover. Agriculture, vital to the region's economy, faces increased aridity and reduced arable land, jeopardizing food security. Diminishing water resources exacerbates scarcity issues, placing additional strain on communities. These environmental changes lead to severe socio-economic implications, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and heightened vulnerability to climate-related risks. Urgent, comprehensive, and strategic interventions are imperative. Policy recommendations underscore revising and enforcing land use regulations, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and establishing monitoring systems to guide decision-making. This research contributes practical strategies to enhance the resilience of desertification frontline states, safeguard livelihoods, and align with Nigeria's sustainable development objectives. Findings from the study indicate that only a tiny percentage (6.7 %) of the study area remains unaffected by desertification. Moreover, 13.3 % exhibit light vulnerability, 20 % demonstrate moderate exposure, and 60 % fall into the severe (26.7 %) and compelling (33.3 %) vulnerability categories. These statistics underscore the gravity of desertification in the study area, emphasizing the urgent need for effective mitigation measures to address its impact comprehensively.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	2405-8440 2405-8440
DOI:	10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31167