Program Summary

This activity improves the knowledge base for adopting multi-sectoral approaches to climate-resilient landscape management practices. It is part of an integrated catchment management approach in Northern Nigeria.

Challenge

Nigeria’s forest cover is declining due largely to agricultural expansion and illegal harvesting for wood-fuel and charcoal. The estimated annual loss of land to desertification is 351,000 hectares and the estimated rate of spread of desert-like conditions southwards is 0.6 km annually. Climatic variability and anthropogenic activities such as overgrazing, cultivation of marginal land, bush burning, faulty irrigation systems, wasteful logging, illegal felling, and urbanization are major causes of desertification. In response to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s request to tackle climate vulnerability, landscape degradation and associated livelihood challenges, the World Bank is preparing the gro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes” (ACReSAL) project. Supporting an integrated catchment management approach, ACReSAL will develop multi-sectoral approaches for desertification control and landscape management, improved community livelihoods and resilience, and strengthened institutions.

Approach

The PROGREEN supported activities will fill the knowledge gaps for intervention design and preparation of investment plans for ACReSAL. Outputs will closely align with the Government’s targets to restore four million ha of degraded lands by 2030 and lift 10 million people out of poverty. The activities also align with the Great Green Wall Initiative and will contribute to reducing fragility and building agro-climatic resilience.

[Expected] Results

• Establish the knowledge base for sustainable livelihoods and forest management interventions
• Establish the knowledge base for sustainable landscape management interventions