Deforestation and Desertification Dynamics in Northwestern Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Trends, Drivers, and Implications for the 2030 Agenda

Abstract

Northwestern Nigeria, situated within the fragile Sudan-Sahel ecological zone, is experiencing an accelerated environmental crisis characterized by the synergistic processes of deforestation and desertification. This region serves as a critical buffer against the southward expansion of the Sahara, yet it faces unprecedented land degradation. This study employed a systematic review methodology aligned with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses) guidelines. Empirical evidence was synthesized from 68 peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and satellite-based studies published between 2000 and 2024. Databases searched included Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and government repositories. Findings indicate an alarming acceleration of forest loss and desert encroachment. Annual deforestation rates are estimated between 2.5% and 4.0%, significantly higher than the national average of 0.6% to 1.0%. Key drivers include the conversion of woodlands to subsistence agriculture, unsustainable exploitation of forest resources for biomass energy, demographic pressures, and climatic variability. The consequences are profound, threatening food systems, water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Deforestation and desertification constitute critical barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), with severe downstream effects on SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, and 16. Effective reversal of these trends requires an integrated, SDG-aligned approach centered on sustainable land management (SLM), climate-smart agriculture (CSA), clean energy adoption, and inclusive governance frameworks.