Nigeria's Rangelands Under Threat from Degradation and Desertification

Nigeria’s 650,000 square kilometres of rangelands are facing serious degradation. This is caused by desertification, expansion of agriculture and livestock, and overgrazing. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, shared this worry in Abuja on Monday. He spoke while addressing Nigeria's event for the 2026 World Desertification and Drought Day.

Mr Lawal, represented by Etim William, who is the Director of the Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management Department, called for urgent steps to restore damaged landscapes. He emphasized the need to improve Nigeria’s resilience to drought and climate change.

He pointed out that the degradation of rangelands, especially in northern Nigeria, is threatening food security. It is also increasing the vulnerability of rural communities and putting pressure on the social and economic structures of affected areas. “Rangelands cover 650,000 square kilometres, largely in the northern states. They support most of Nigeria’s livestock sector; they are central to pastoral livelihoods, food security and rural economies,” Mr Lawal said.

He noted that many of the country’s rangelands have been degraded despite their importance to the economy and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. The United Nations marks World Desertification and Drought Day every year on 17 June. The global observance for 2026 was hosted by Kenya under the theme, “Rangelands: Recognise, Respect, Restore.” This aligns with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.

Nigeria held its national commemoration in Abuja on Monday as part of events leading to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This conference will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August. The Abuja event had representatives from government agencies, civil society groups, and environmental advocacy organizations.

The minister highlighted that the degradation of rangelands is significant as Nigeria seeks lasting solutions to ongoing farmer-herder conflicts. He connected these conflicts to shrinking grazing areas, climate change, and drought. He said the United Nations’ choice of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists is a chance to focus on the challenges facing these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

Mr Lawal stressed that rangelands should not be seen as “empty or unused lands.” Instead, they are productive ecosystems that support communities, economies, and cultures. He called for better recognition of pastoral communities and for including local knowledge in efforts to manage and restore rangelands.

“The government is committed to reversing land degradation, restoring degraded rangelands and strengthening resilience against drought,” he stated. He mentioned that the government is expanding programs aimed at restoring ecosystems, reforestation, sustainable management of rangelands, and community-based natural resource management.

Programs like the Great Green Wall Initiative, the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) are among those being implemented. Mr Lawal warned that desertification, land degradation, and drought are costing communities and economies dearly, creating threats to food security, soil productivity, and biodiversity.

He cautioned that competition for dwindling productive land and access to clean water could raise tensions and conflicts among communities. “Reversing desertification and mitigating the effects of drought cannot be overemphasised,” he said. He added that restoring degraded land could help capture carbon, boost resilience to drought and climate change, and create new green jobs.

The theme for the 2026 World Desertification and Drought Day, “Rangelands: Recognise, Respect, Restore,” is especially relevant for Nigeria due to the significance of rangelands for livestock production and rural livelihoods. He urged all levels of government to include sustainable land management in their development plans and budgets.

Mr Lawal also called on traditional and community leaders to promote sustainable grazing, rotational pasture use, and management of natural resources that takes conflicts into account. Farmers and pastoralists should adopt climate-smart practices to restore soil health and conserve water. He encouraged civil society and the private sector to invest in land restoration and sustainable value chains.

Mr Lawal pointed out that immediate government priorities include expanding land restoration, reforestation, rehabilitating rangelands, preparing for drought, and enhancing early warning systems. Other priorities are water harvesting, planning for community contingencies, supporting pastoral mobility and security of land tenure, recognizing customary grazing routes, and improving conflict resolution mechanisms.

He also advocated for sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry, sustainable livestock value chains, and ecotourism. He called for mobilizing private sector and international climate finance for long-term restoration and resilience. The minister said Nigeria must invest in scientific research, innovation, and capacity development to ensure that land-use practices enhance soil fertility, conserve water, protect biodiversity, and increase productivity.

He described the tree planting ceremony held during the commemoration as more than just a symbolic act. He said it showed a public commitment to turn environmental promises into real actions. “Let us recognise the value of our rangelands, restore degraded landscapes, and respect the natural systems that sustain us,” Mr Lawal said.

He concluded by saying that stronger teamwork among governments, communities, the private sector, and partners would help Nigeria create resilient landscapes that can support sustainable livelihoods and inclusive national development.