Abstract
Land degradation and Desertification (LDD) are critical issues facing most states in northern Nigeria, with severe consequences for national food security. Land degradation refers to total loss of the productive capacity of the soils for present and future use while desertification is seen as a process whereby the productivity of arid or semi-arid land falls by 10% or more. The Environmental Sensitivity to Desertification Index (ESDI) is the most frequently applied indicator-based system for accessing Land Degradation and Desertification. The research reported here adopted the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) approach for identifying environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) to desertification in Katsina State, Nigeria based on Soil Quality Index (SQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI) and Vegetation Quality Index (VQI). The findings from each of these indicators show the variability between the northern and southern parts of Katsina State. The northern part of Katsina state was found to be the most vulnerable area to desertification and is covered by soil having the highest sand depth while the southern part of the state was found to be the least affected by desertification. This result specifically highlights areas in the State that requires urgent attention and remediation. Findings from this research can be used to support informed decision-making and policy development to focus on sustaining the environment, as well as the livelihood of the communities in the affected local government areas in the northern part of the State, given the high sensitivity of the area to desert conditions.
Highlights
On the 25th of September 2015, world leaders at the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets
Target 15.3 has become a strong vehicle for driving the implementation of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), while at the same time contributing to other SDGs, including those relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, food and water security, disaster risk reduction, and poverty [2]
This study focuses on the assessment of environmental sensitivity to desertification in the state
Summary
On the 25th of September 2015, world leaders at the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 associated targets. These bold, transformative, and universal goals depict the roadmap for the 15 years [1]. Target 15.3 has become a strong vehicle for driving the implementation of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), while at the same time contributing to other SDGs, including those relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, food and water security, disaster risk reduction, and poverty [2]. There is direct relationship between drought, desertification, and food security [11]
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