In the remote town of Toshia, nestled within the northeastern state of Yobe, communities find themselves surrounded by encroaching sand dunes.
The relentless advance of the desert, a consequence of ongoing climate shocks, is leaving a profound impact on the lives of the residents.
Bulama Mele, now a 40-year-old father of eight, recounts his childhood in Toshia when his family was compelled to farm in Niger due to encroaching desert.
Today, he navigates challenging commutes to tend to his farm in Niger after losing two farms to the encroaching sands.
The environmental crisis is not only disrupting lives but also causing significant losses in agriculture.
Village head Maigari Isa Bukar and his family lost ten farms to the advancing desert, leading to food shortages in the region.
Desertification has buried more than 20 houses in recent years, forcing residents to rebuild in previously abandoned areas.
The impact on farming is evident, with Bukar noting a drastic reduction in crop yields over the past two decades.
Livestock in the community faces challenges as well.
Animals, due to a shortage of grass, can no longer roam freely, leading to decreased milk production and, tragically, deaths from starvation-related diseases.
In the nearby Yusufari local government area, Tulo-Tulo residents, also grappling with desert encroachment, share stories of loss.
Dauda Maigari, a 61-year-old farmer, details the gradual expansion of the desert into nearby areas, swallowing up farms and limiting the ability to farm and raise livestock.
Lawan Cheri, a lecturer in public administration, warns that the Sahara is advancing into Yobe at an alarming rate of 0.6 kilometers per year, displacing both people and their livelihoods.
The reduction in the number of trees, caused by desertification, contributes to rainfall shortages.
Usman Ali Busuguma, from the African Climate Change Research Centre, emphasizes the scientific link between vegetation depletion and altered rainfall patterns.
Analysts attribute desert encroachment to massive deforestation, exacerbated by increased demand for agricultural land and cooking fuels due to population growth.
The withdrawal of subsidies for cooking gas has further fueled deforestation.
Efforts to combat desertification, such as the Great Green Wall initiative, have faced challenges.
Corruption and lack of community involvement in tree selections have hindered progress, prompting renewed efforts by the government to plant trees and install boreholes for watering.
While there is hope that these initiatives may alleviate the crisis, residents like Bulama Mele urge more government assistance to combat the relentless advance of the desert and secure the future of their town.
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