5- Case Study: The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Northern Nigeria

Wetlands in Africa covers over 1.3 million square kilometers. These lands represents a diverse and crucial ecosystem. These regions, which include the vast Sudd wetland in South Sudan, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the Congo River Basin (and many more), are vital for biodiversity, supporting species like the shoebill stork and African manatee. Functioning as natural water filters and carbon sinks, they play a significant role in climate regulation. Despite their importance, African wetlands face threats from climate change, overexploitation, and pollution, making their conservation a critical environmental concern. These wetlands are not only a haven for wildlife but also support millions of people who rely on them for livelihoods and sustenance.

Map of The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands

The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, located in Yobe State, Northern Nigeria, are a crucial ecological and economic asset. Comprising areas like Nguru Lake, these wetlands are part of the Yobe-Komadugu sub-basin within the larger Chad Basin. The wetlands' formation results from the convergence of the Hadejia and Jama'are rivers with ancient sand dunes, creating a diverse landscape with some areas permanently flooded and others only seasonally so. The wetlands experience an annual rainfall of between 200 and 600 mm, mostly from late May to September.

How does this wetlands related to agriculture? 

The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands are vital for about 1.5 million local farmers, herders, and fishermen. They support activities like wet-season rice farming, flood-recession agriculture, and dry-season farming, with crops like peppers and wheat. The area also provides resources like fuel wood and materials for making mats and ropes.

Threats to the wetland

The wetlands are facing several threats. Droughts, especially severe in recent years, and upstream dam constructions like the Tiga and Challawa Gorge dams have significantly altered the natural flood regime, impacting fish migration, groundwater recharge, and agricultural activities. Climate change also greatly effected the wetlands. The wetlands 'reduced from 1253.6 km2 to 1103.6 km2 (approximately 150 km2) from the year 1972 to 2018. This result show approximately 12% (11.97%) reduction of its size and areal extent in less than five decades'. The shrunk of the wetlands are directly threating local farmer and agricultural industry.

Wetlands are crucially connecting to small-scale irrigation.

Small-scale irrigation plays a pivotal role in floodplain agriculture, particularly in regions like the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands. These floodplains create ideal conditions for this type of irrigation, where farmers efficiently utilize floodwaters to nourish their crops. The ability to directly pump water from flooding areas offers a practical and sustainable method of irrigation, especially suitable for water-intensive crops like rice. Wetlands provides farmers fluent, stable and consistent water.

Conclusion: We Need to protect the wetlands.

Floodplains in Africa, with their natural irrigation potential, offer a sustainable and cost-effective approach to agriculture, crucial for food security in the region. Their ability to provide low-cost irrigation makes them highly suitable for the continent's diverse agricultural needs. This potential, however, remains under threat due to various environmental and human-induced factors. Thus, there is a growing need for local governments and international organizations to focus on these valuable ecosystems. By implementing protective measures and sustainable management plans, these bodies can ensure the longevity and productivity of floodplains, which are vital for the well-being of countless communities and the environment.