Research Article

ROLE OF FORESTRY IN COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Wakawa L D1*, Aminu S A2, Ibrahim Y2, Adam L I2, Abdullahi M2
1 Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria
2 Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture Federal University Gashua, Yobe State
* Corresponding author: luckywakawa@yahoo.com
Published: May, 2016
DOI: 10.67390/gjids.2016.5fqq336g
Pages: 193-198

Abstract

Desertification is the major ecological challenge facing drylands the world over. The dryland region of Nigeria (Northern Nigeria) is not an exception. Desertification renders once fertile lands unfertile, once occupied environments unoccupied. This paper is a review of various forestry practices used in combating desertification and those that have the potential of revising and restoring desert fields with particular reference to Northern Nigeria. It is evident from this review that forestry plays a vital role in combating desertification. Forestry offers an all encompassing approach towards the fight against desertification, it does not stop with proffering solution to the ecological components of desertification. It helps in solving some of the causes and symptoms of desertification in form of poverty through the provision of substitute and source of income from the sale of non timber forest products which goes a long way in reducing the pressure on natural resources.

Keywords

Desertification Forestry Northern Nigeria

References

  1. Abdulrashid, L and Yaro, A. (2014). The Role of Shelterbelt in Desertification Control: Local Perspectives, Obsevations and Analysis from Semi-Arid Areas of Katsina State, Northern Nigeria. The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies 2(7):73-77.
  2. Adesina, F. A and Gadiga, B. L. (2014). The Role of Shelterbelts in Vegetation Development of Desert Prone Area of Yobe State, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Geology; 6, (4):109 – 121
  3. Alao, J. S and Shuaibu, R. (2013). Agroforestry practices and concepts in sustainable land use systems in Nigeria. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry 2 5(10): 156-159
  4. Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) ‘Combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought in Nigeria’, National Report on the Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa (CCD).
  5. Gadzama, N.M and Ayuba, H. (2015). Efforts in desertification control in the Sahel of Nigeria. World association for sustainable development (4):33 – 46
  6. Igugu, G. O.and Osemeobo, G. J. (1991). Strategies for Facilitating Shelterbelt Establishment in Nigeria. In Dada, G. O. B., & P. C. Obiaga (Eds.), Development and Management of Forest Resources of the Arid Zone of Nigeria(pp. 198-205). Proceeding of the 20th Annual Conference of FAN, Katsina, 25-30th November,1990
  7. Ja’afar-Furo.M.R (2014). Dynamics Of Poverty, Deforestation and Beekeeping In Northern Nigeria: Concerns For Policymakers – Part I Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development 14(2):179 - 186
  8. Jaiyeoba, I.A (2002). Environment in Africa Atlases: Nigeria. Les Edition J>A. Paris. pp. 22-123
  9. Medugu, N.I., Majig, M.R., Johar, F and Choji, I.D. (2009). The role of afforestation programme in combating desertification in Nigeria. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 2(1):35-47
  10. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment(2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Desertification Synthesis. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.
  11. Nwokocha, C. (2015). Effect of Desertification on Environmental Management in Northern Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Nigerian Chapter) 3(6):7- 13
  12. Olagunju, T.E. (2015). Drought, desertification and the Nigerian environment: A review. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment 7(7):196-209
  13. Pachauri, R.K and Kanetkar, R.S. (1997).Deforestation and desertification in developing countries: Environment, energy, and economy: Strategies forsustainability Edited by Yoichi Kaya and Keiichi YokoboriUnited NationsUniversity PressTokyo New York ParisThe United Nations University, 1997
  14. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (2014).In those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD).
  15. Yafong, B. (1997), “The role of forestry in combating desertification”, Proceedings of the XI World Forestry Congress Antalya, Turkey, pp. 3-7.
  16. UNEP (2008) Africa: Atlas of Our Changing Environment. Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi.
  17. USDA National Agroforestry Centre (2012). What is windbreak? Assessed from center www.unl.edu/nac/windbreaks
How to Cite

D, W. L., A, A. S., Y, I., I, A. L., & M, A. (2016). ROLE OF FORESTRY IN COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA. Gashua Journal of Irrigation and Desertification Studies, 2(1), 193-198. https://doi.org/10.67390/gjids.2016.5fqq336g

W. L. D, A. S. A, I. Y, A. L. I, and A. M, "ROLE OF FORESTRY IN COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA," Gashua Journal of Irrigation and Desertification Studies, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 193-198, May 2016. doi: 10.67390/gjids.2016.5fqq336g

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles