By Rakiya A.Muhammad
Climate change is casting a long shadow over agriculture in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, a region already challenged by its semi-arid climate.
A recent analysis of climate and crop data in the state from 2005 to 2024 revealed a striking rise in mean annual temperature, from 32.4°C to 35.2°C, while rainfall steadily declined from 610 mm to 495 mm. As the land grew hotter and drier, yields of staple crops such as millet, sorghum, cowpea, and maize dropped sharply, painting a stark picture of agriculture under stress.
The study highlights farmers’ voices, who describe how unpredictable rains, shorter growing seasons, relentless heat, and frequent crop failures have battered their harvests. Extension officers echo these concerns, confirming the mounting challenges faced in the fields.
Farmers here are watching their way of life slip away as soil crumbles, rains become erratic, and droughts stretch on. These mounting environmental threats are not just statistics; they mean shrinking harvests, empty pantries, and growing economic struggles.
Smallholder farmers, whose very survival hangs on the fickle generosity of the rains, now shoulder the heaviest burden of these changes.
Among them is 35-year-old Malama Fatima, who has spent more than ten years cultivating groundnuts and beans in challenging conditions.
She has watched the rains dwindle year after year, each dry season stretching longer than the last.
Fatima groans, recalling how last year’s late and meagre rains ruined her crops.
“Last season, groundnut yields dropped from 12 to 2.5 bags, and maize harvests fell from 10 sacks to one, “she reveals.
For Fatima’s family, smaller harvests have meant empty plates and anxious nights. Their livestock, too, has dwindled as pastures dry up and water grows scarce, tightening the grip of poverty.
But when Fatima first heard about the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, she was doubtful. Yet, driven by necessity, Fatima found herself at a community meeting, discovering new hope in lessons about crop diversity, conservation farming, and smarter water use.
The $700 million World Bank-backed initiative promised sweeping solutions to land degradation and climate threats across Northern Nigeria.
The World Bank recognises that economic growth and protecting the most vulnerable require improved environmental and water resource management and resilience against disaster and climate risks.
ACReSAL is a bold six-year initiative that brings together four powerful pillars: dry land management, community climate resilience, institutional strengthening and project management, and rapid emergency response. The dry land management pillar breathes new life into exhausted landscapes by reviving soil health, expanding lush tree cover, and championing practices like tree planting, erosion control, and sustainable farming.
The community climate resilience pillar empowers people to adapt by championing climate-smart agriculture, diverse livelihoods, and improved water conservation. Institutional strengthening and project management build up local expertise, foster seamless teamwork, and keep progress on track. When disaster strikes, the emergency response pillar springs into action, delivering swift support so communities can bounce back and protect their way of life.
Sokoto is among the states rolling out this ambitious project, aiming to strengthen resilience, fight climate change, boost livelihoods, secure food supplies, and open doors for young people.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu reveals that they disbursed N1 billion counterpart fund for the World Bank initiative.
Fatima and thousands like her, living on the fringes of battered forests in Dange Shuni, Bodinga, Tureta, Kware, Tangaza, Binji, Yahoo, and Shagari, are set to benefit from ACReSAL’s sweeping restoration efforts.
The project will plant 7,000 hectares of Moringa oleifera (Zogale) trees, bringing new life to 23 communities and touching over 40,000 lives. With its remarkable healing powers and versatile flavor, Moringa stands as a champion in the quest for food security. Across Africa and Asia, communities have embraced Moringa cultivation to fight malnutrition, diversify meals, and unlock fresh streams of income. This resilient tree flourishes even in arid landscapes, offering a dependable shield against drought-driven hunger and empowering smallholder farmers to weather tough times.
Under the ACReSAL project, a 40-kilometre green barrier is rising in Wurno, shielding nine communities from harsh winds that once battered crops and homes. This living wall promises stronger harvests and safer villages.
The state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, also highlights a new 500-hectare forest-enrichment plantation, set to restore green cover and shield the fertile Fadama lands in Wurno from the twin threats of erosion and soil loss.
“This work will ensure that the irrigation activities in Wurno and surrounding areas continue unhindered,” he says.
“The ACReSAL project will restore 19,000 cubic meters of water in Lugu Dam and rehabilitate 13,000 hectares of irrigated land in Wurno.”
Over 3,000 farmers in Sokoto depend on the Wurno irrigation network, a lifeline that keeps fields green and productive with rice, onions, garlic, and vegetables year-round.
Prioritising Inclusivity
Gender-based challenges are growing, especially for women like Fatima, who often face barriers to resources and support as they try to adapt to a changing climate.
Encouragingly, the project puts vulnerable and marginalised groups at its heart. Already, over 800 men and women have gained new skills in resolving grievances and managing community businesses.
Dr Joy Agene, the Senior Environment Specialist at the World Bank Nigeria office and Task Leader for the ACReSAL project, underscores the project’s objective of assisting disadvantaged people and enhancing their quality of life.
She stresses the importance of bringing in those often left out: women, youth, elders, people with disabilities, the displaced, and minority groups.
Ibrahim Umar, the ACReSAL Sokoto Project Coordinator, expresses excitement about the initiative in Sokoto, which aims to breathe new life into 5,000 hectares of degraded land in the Saturu Forest Reserve this year.
Umar believes that reviving the Saturu Forest Reserve to its former glory will benefit the entire community.
He shares how they are spreading the word among locals about the dangers of cutting down trees carelessly and the rewards of planting new ones.
Alhaji Nura Shehu Tangaza, Sokoto Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment, acknowledges that fighting climate change is a collective responsibility.
He urges everyone involved to join forces, believing that only together can they build a truly sustainable future.
Traditional leaders are also stepping forward, pledging their full support to help the project succeed. The District Head, Shuni Ardon Shuni Alhaji Muhammad Harande, promises cooperation at every step.
More people are rising to the challenge of climate change than ever before, as highlighted in the 2023 Yearbook of Global Climate Action. Yet, progress is still too slow to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. “Climate action needs to accelerate everywhere,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell asserts.
“Greater collaboration between Parties and Non-party stakeholders is an opportunity to radically enhance action towards our collective climate goals.”
In this context, projects like ACReSAL are not only vital for local resilience but also support Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate-resilient communities.
By advancing sustainable land management and empowering vulnerable populations, Sokoto’s local actions contribute directly to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on ending poverty, achieving food security, and combating climate change.
Fatima urges the government to help spread climate-smart techniques, convinced that inventive solutions and strong communities are the keys to a secure future for farmers.
“To lessen the blow that climate change is dealing to the most defenceless among us,” she says, “we must expand the scope of climate-resilient initiatives.”
