EVALUATING CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND DESERTIFICATION CONTROL STRATEGIES IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Northwestern Nigeria, characterized by its dry and semi-arid ecosystems, is increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and desertification. These environmental challenges pose significant threats to livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development in the region. This systematic review examines the current strategies implemented to combat climate change and desertification, focusing on agricultural practices, afforestation efforts, renewable energy adoption, and governmental and community interventions. The review draws on data from peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and international development agency publications to assess the effectiveness and limitations of existing mitigation and adaptation strategies. Key findings reveal that while afforestation programs and climate-smart agricultural initiatives show promise, their success is limited by inadequate funding, weak policy implementation, and low levels of public awareness. Furthermore, renewable energy projects—particularly solar power—have emerged as viable alternatives to support sustainable development, but require greater investment and institutional support. Community-based responses have demonstrated localized success, particularly in areas where traditional knowledge is integrated with modern conservation techniques. However, these efforts often lack scalability due to fragmented coordination among stakeholders. Governmental policies, though well-intentioned, often fall short due to gaps in enforcement and insufficient cross-sectoral collaboration. The review concludes that a multi-pronged and inclusive approach is essential for addressing the intertwined issues of climate change and desertification in Northwestern Nigeria. Key recommendations include increasing investment in climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening afforestation through community engagement, enhancing policy enforcement, and expanding renewable energy infrastructure. Cross-sectoral partnerships and increased public education are also critical for fostering sustainable environmental management in the region.