Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Desert Warriors: Battling Desertification in Nigeria
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Desert Warriors: Battling Desertification in Nigeria
Meet Nigeria's "Desert Warrior," Dr. Newton Jibonuh, whose four-decade battle against desertification has transformed landscapes and communities across Northern Nigeria. Born in Delta State and trained as a building engineer, Dr. Jibonuh earned his formidable nickname through multiple expeditions across the Sahara Desert—trekking from London to Lagos not once but twice—to raise awareness about the creeping threat of desert encroachment.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Desert encroachment advances at a startling rate of 0.5 kilometers per year through Nigeria, threatening the eleven frontline states that border Niger. Through his NGO "Fight Against Desert Encroachment" (FADE), Dr. Jibonuh has brought both passion and practical solutions to communities most affected by this environmental crisis. His work in Makoda, Kano State stands as testimony to what's possible—between 2000 and 2006, he successfully reclaimed degraded land, turning barren earth into productive soil. The grateful community honored him with a traditional title and built a commemorative hut recognizing his transformative impact.
Nigeria's government has stepped up its response to this environmental challenge with policy frameworks and significant financial commitments. The 2007 Drought and Desertification Policy is currently undergoing comprehensive revision to address emerging issues like gender mainstreaming and sand and dust storms. President Tinubu has committed an impressive N20 billion (Naira) to climate issues including land restoration, while the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project adds another $700 million specifically targeted at restoration efforts. As agencies like the National Agency for Green World continue this vital work, Dr. Jibonuh's legacy as a restoration champion—officially recognized by the Federal Ministry of Environment in 2024—serves as inspiration for environmental advocates everywhere. Want to learn more about environmental heroes making a difference? Subscribe to our podcast for more stories of innovation and dedication in the face of climate challenges.
View all episodes
By African Union Development Agency-NEPADMeet Nigeria's "Desert Warrior," Dr. Newton Jibonuh, whose four-decade battle against desertification has transformed landscapes and communities across Northern Nigeria. Born in Delta State and trained as a building engineer, Dr. Jibonuh earned his formidable nickname through multiple expeditions across the Sahara Desert—trekking from London to Lagos not once but twice—to raise awareness about the creeping threat of desert encroachment.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Desert encroachment advances at a startling rate of 0.5 kilometers per year through Nigeria, threatening the eleven frontline states that border Niger. Through his NGO "Fight Against Desert Encroachment" (FADE), Dr. Jibonuh has brought both passion and practical solutions to communities most affected by this environmental crisis. His work in Makoda, Kano State stands as testimony to what's possible—between 2000 and 2006, he successfully reclaimed degraded land, turning barren earth into productive soil. The grateful community honored him with a traditional title and built a commemorative hut recognizing his transformative impact.
Nigeria's government has stepped up its response to this environmental challenge with policy frameworks and significant financial commitments. The 2007 Drought and Desertification Policy is currently undergoing comprehensive revision to address emerging issues like gender mainstreaming and sand and dust storms. President Tinubu has committed an impressive N20 billion (Naira) to climate issues including land restoration, while the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project adds another $700 million specifically targeted at restoration efforts. As agencies like the National Agency for Green World continue this vital work, Dr. Jibonuh's legacy as a restoration champion—officially recognized by the Federal Ministry of Environment in 2024—serves as inspiration for environmental advocates everywhere. Want to learn more about environmental heroes making a difference? Subscribe to our podcast for more stories of innovation and dedication in the face of climate challenges.