Title: Traditional Water Harvesting and Agroforestry as Community-Based Adaptation in Katsina State, Nigeria
In Katsina State, a successful example of Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) and Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) is the use of traditional water harvesting, soil conservation, and agroforestry practices by rural farming communities, especially in areas affected by desertification and recurrent drought.
Challenge Addressed
The initiative addresses declining rainfall, increasing drought frequency, soil degradation, desert encroachment, and food insecurity, which threaten livelihoods across Katsina State.
Community Engagement
Local farmers, village heads, elders, and farmer associations are actively involved in planning and implementation. Decisions about planting times, land use, and soil conservation are made through community meetings and traditional leadership structures, ensuring strong local ownership.
Outcomes and Impacts
Improved soil moisture retention and reduced erosion
Increased crop survival during dry spells
Better crop yields and household food security
Reduced land degradation and desert encroachment
Traditional and Indigenous Practices
Key adaptation practices include:
Zai pits and planting basins for capturing rainwater
Contour bunds and stone lines to reduce runoff
Agroforestry using neem, baobab, acacia, and shea trees
Use of indigenous weather indicators to guide planting
Communal grain reserves for drought preparedness
Effectiveness Against Climate Risks
These practices are well suited to Katsina’s semi-arid climate and remain effective in addressing drought and land degradation. However, they are gradually being replaced by chemical fertilizers and mechanized farming, which may reduce long-term resilience.
Cultural and Social Connections
These practices are deeply embedded in local culture and reflect values of land stewardship, intergenerational knowledge, cooperation, and respect for nature. Farming knowledge is passed from elders to youth and is part of community identity.
Integration into LLA Framework
They can be integrated into modern adaptation by:
Combining them with climate forecasts and early warning systems
Including farmers and traditional leaders in adaptation planning
Supporting them through agricultural extension and microgrants
Recognizing them in state and national climate policies
Barriers
Policy neglect and limited institutional support
Youth migration to urban areas
Preference for external or modern technologies
Limited funding for community-led initiatives
Examples of Integration
Programs such as Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and climate-smart agriculture projects in northern Nigeria successfully build on traditional agroforestry and land restoration practices.
Conclusion:
Traditional practices in Katsina State remain highly relevant for climate adaptation. Strengthening them through Locally Led Adaptation approaches can ensure sustainable, culturally appropriate, and resilient development.