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

作者：Ibrahim Inuwa Yahaya, Yongdong Wang, Zhijie Zhang, Abubakar Y. Inuwa, Yazhou Zhao, You Yuan, Hamisu Alhaji Basiru, Friday Uchenna Ochege, Na Zhou, Chukwuka Prince Ogbue, Murad Muhammad, Yeneayehu Fenetahun Mihertu, Isah A. Tanko, Waseem Shoukat · 发表于：Heliyon · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31167 · 被引用次数：25 · 研究领域：Land Use and Ecosystem Services、Soil and Land Suitability Analysis、Remote Sensing in Agriculture

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 ...