World Environment Day 2024: Combating Desertification Through Community Action

On June 5th, 2024, the Prime Initiative for Green Development (PIGD), in partnership with Climate Alaramma, YandyTech, and TiNT Follow Taxes, commemorated World Environment Day with a community-centered programme focused on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought.

The event took place in a local community affected by land degradation and was designed to raise awareness and mobilize collective action against desertification a growing environmental challenge that threatens food security, livelihoods, and the natural ecosystem.

Townhall Meeting with Community Stakeholders

The programme began with a townhall meeting, bringing together:

• Community leaders
• Women and youth representatives
• Local farmers
• Environmental advocates

Discussions centered on the urgent need to adopt sustainable land management practices, the dangers of unchecked deforestation, and strategies for restoring degraded lands. Participants shared firsthand experiences of how desertification has impacted agriculture, water access, and community livelihoods.

PIGD and partners emphasized that tackling desertification requires joint efforts from policymakers and NGOs to everyday citizens. The dialogue also explored practical solutions, such as afforestation, improved farming techniques, and climate-smart resource management.

Tree Planting Session

Following the townhall meeting, the community participated in a tree planting exercise. Hundreds of seedlings were distributed and planted around key community areas.

The trees serve as:

• Natural barriers against desert encroachment
• Soil protectors that reduce erosion
• Carbon sinks that help combat climate change
• Sources of shade, fruits, and biodiversity

This hands-on activity not only contributed directly to environmental restoration but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

Why Desertification Matters

Desertification—driven by climate change, overgrazing, and unsustainable land use—turns once-productive land into barren desert. This phenomenon is advancing rapidly in northern Nigeria, threatening to displace communities, reduce arable land, and exacerbate poverty.

By planting trees and empowering communities with knowledge, PIGD is helping to reverse this trend and build resilience against future environmental challenges.

A Call to Action

PIGD calls on all citizens, policymakers, and development partners to join the fight against desertification.
Every tree planted, every piece of land restored, is an investment in our shared future.

Partners: Climate Alaramma • YandyTech • TiNT Follow Taxes