Friday, 06 September 2024
Olamide Francis
There is a Yoruba proverb that is loosely translated in English as, “When hunger is solved from the poverty equation, it’s enough to keep going.” Such is the report from Namibia, one of Africa’s and global destinations for wildlife tourism. Drought has pushed the government to approve the hunting and killing for meat of hundreds of wild animals including elephants, zebras, and hippos—and distribute the meat to its population, who are struggling with food insecurity.
Drought is not peculiar to the nation in the south of Africa – the environmental issue has become increasingly pressing across Africa, affecting millions of people living in vulnerable regions. While Africa has long been susceptible to extreme weather conditions, recent years have seen the frequency and intensity of droughts escalate, leaving many communities on the verge of humanitarian and environmental crises.
This extreme measure taken by the Namibian government highlights the severity of the situation in Namibia and provides a warning for other drought-prone regions, particularly Northern Nigeria. As climate change intensifies, drought’s impact on Africa’s northern regions is expected to worsen, threatening the livelihoods of millions. He who has ears, let him hear – the happening in Namibia should be a clear warning for Northern Nigeria and similar regions who must act now to mitigate the impending risks.
To understand the gravity of the drought in Namibia, one must first consider the country’s extreme response to the crisis. Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced the planned culling of 700 wild animals, including 83 elephants, 60 buffalo, and 300 zebras. These animals, sourced from national parks and communal areas, will be killed by professional hunters, and their meat will be distributed to food-insecure communities. Although this may provide short-term relief to those struggling with hunger, it is a clear indicator of the desperate situation in the country.
Furthermore, the decision to cull wildlife also exemplifies the broader environmental and economic impact of the drought. Namibia’s natural resources, particularly its wildlife, are crucial to its economy, with tourism being a key sector. The loss of these animals could affect Namibia’s long-term ability to attract tourists, thereby diminishing one of the country’s most vital industries. This decision highlights the delicate balance between addressing immediate human needs and preserving natural ecosystems for future sustainability. Ultimately, Namibia’s actions offer a stark reminder of the lengths countries must go to when faced with unrelenting drought.
Considering the causes of drought, it becomes evident that Namibia and Northern Nigeria share similar vulnerabilities, despite their geographical differences. Climate change stands out as the principal factor worsening drought conditions across the continent. Rising global temperatures have disrupted weather patterns, leading to longer dry seasons and erratic rainfall. Namibia, for instance, has seen water sources dry up and crops fail, while livestock perish due to the lack of water. Similarly, Northern Nigeria is experiencing irregular rainfall, contributing to desertification and water scarcity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that Africa will face more frequent and severe droughts, placing these regions at heightened risk.
In addition to climate change, environmental degradation plays a critical role in aggravating drought conditions. Overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable land-use practices have reduced the land’s ability to retain moisture, leaving it more vulnerable to drought. In Northern Nigeria, desertification—driven by deforestation and over-farming—has worsened the situation, with the Sahara Desert encroaching on arable land. This degradation further diminishes the region’s capacity to withstand drought, as soils become less fertile and water retention decreases. Thus, the environmental challenges faced by Namibia and Northern Nigeria are intertwined, amplifying the destructive effects of drought in both regions.
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In light of these vulnerabilities, the impact of drought on the people living in Namibia and Northern Nigeria has been devastating. Food insecurity is perhaps the most immediate and visible consequence. In Namibia, failed crops and the death of livestock have left communities without adequate food supplies. Families are forced to rely on government aid and measures like the culling of wildlife to survive. This widespread food insecurity leads to malnutrition, particularly among children, and exacerbates poverty levels.
Moreover, the economic impact of drought cannot be ignored. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy in many African countries, and drought directly undermines this sector. In Northern Nigeria, agriculture accounts for a huge percentage of the region’s GDP, meaning that when crops fail, the entire economy suffers. As drought reduces agricultural output, more people fall into poverty, and the country faces the prospect of a prolonged economic downturn. Similarly, Namibia’s drought has hurt the agricultural and tourism sectors, further weakening its economic prospects. The culling of wildlife, while necessary in the short term, signals a longer-term threat to Namibia’s lucrative tourism industry, which depends on its rich biodiversity.
As the impact of drought worsens, migration and displacement become inevitable consequences. In both Namibia and Northern Nigeria, people are being forced to leave their homes in search of food, water, and work. In Namibia, drought has led to internal displacement, with rural communities migrating to urban areas in the hopes of finding relief. This migration places additional strain on urban centers, which are often ill-equipped to handle the influx of displaced people.
Similarly, in Northern Nigeria, drought has driven mass migrations as farmers and herders abandon their lands due to desertification and crop failure. This has created a humanitarian crisis, as displaced people often find themselves in overcrowded camps or slums, where access to basic services like clean water and sanitation is limited. A United Nations report estimates that about 2.2 million IDPs (531,000 women, 423,000 men, 677,000 girls, and 569,000 boys), were displaced in North East Nigeria as of December 2021, and 890,0001 are in IDP camps. The migration patterns driven by drought further complicate efforts to provide aid and address the root causes of the crisis, as displacement often leads to social unrest and increased poverty.
In light of the challenges posed by drought, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate its effects and protect vulnerable communities. First and foremost, African countries must prioritize climate adaptation strategies. This includes investing in water management systems, such as irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to ensure that communities have access to water even during dry seasons. Additionally, reforestation efforts and sustainable land management practices can help reduce desertification and improve soil moisture retention. These steps are critical in ensuring that both Namibia and Northern Nigeria can build resilience against future droughts.
Furthermore, it is essential to diversify the livelihoods of communities in drought-prone areas. Many people in these regions rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture and livestock, making them particularly vulnerable to drought. Governments must promote alternative income-generating activities, such as small-scale manufacturing, renewable energy production, and eco-tourism, which are less susceptible to climate variability. By providing communities with new economic opportunities, countries can reduce the dependency on agriculture and create more sustainable livelihoods.
In addition to local efforts, regional cooperation is key to addressing the challenges posed by drought. Countries across Africa must work together to tackle issues such as water scarcity, desertification, and conflict resolution. This cooperation can help mitigate the competition for resources that often leads to violence and displacement. Moreover, international organizations and donors must continue to support African nations in their efforts to adapt to climate change and provide emergency assistance when droughts occur.
I will conclude with this – the drought crisis in Namibia serves as a stark warning for Northern Nigeria and other drought-prone regions in Africa. The effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and population pressure are combining to create a situation where drought is becoming more frequent and severe. Namibia’s decision to cull wildlife to feed its people is a drastic measure that highlights the dire consequences of inaction. Northern Nigeria must take heed of this warning and begin to implement measures that will build resilience against future droughts. Without immediate action, millions more people across Africa will face the grim reality of food insecurity, displacement, and environmental collapse. The time to act is now, before the drought crisis spirals beyond control.
Olamide is a communications professional currently based in London, United Kingdom. He can be reached across social media platforms @olamidefrancis and via francisolamide1@gmail.com
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