Human coping strategies to desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the coping strategies adopted by the rural population in Yobe State of Nigeria to desertification. Data on methods used to cope with desertification were collected from eighteen development areas of the study area, as well as government agencies. The main objective was to examine how the process of desertification has forced the local population to use various coping strategies. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis employed the use of air photographs of the
development areas obtained from the North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) for the 1990s and 2000s. These aerial photographs were used to validate the presence of sand dune accumulation, bare grounds, depletion of water bodies and vegetation cover. These results were validated at the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos. The study finings show that the expanding desert is a severe environmental problem. Environmental changes have been significant particularly in
reduction of water body, depletion of vegetation cover, shifting sand dunes, increasing bare grounds and loss of biodiversity. A combination of coping strategies such as use of trees as wind breaks, woven stick construction around houses, agro-forestry practices and fadama farming have been used by the local population. The paper suggests the need
for massive tree plantings in the study area and Nigeria in general. The Federal and State Departments of Forestry need to be empowered with adequate revenue for massive reforestation programme. Regulation to discourage dependence on wood for local energy should be put in place, while other sources of energy such as kerosene should be adequately provided.