An Exploration of the Socio-Economic Desertification Strategies in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study commenced to scrutinize the socioeconomic desertification strategies in Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 385 randomly selected farming families from across the three agroecological zones of the state and 18 key informants were interviewed on the desertification strategies. The indicators selected for the study included land ownership type, access to services and infrastructure, and purchase of food from other localities including food importation from neighboring countries. The KTARDA reforestation program, community organizations involved in environmental protection, and desertification campaign by local councils were also included for analysis. In addition, awareness of the GGW, the impact of the annual tree planting campaign, and adequacy of government extension services completed the set of the selected indicators. It was observed that the strategies in vogue have proved ineffectual in the fight against desertification in the study area.