Photo Credit: Abubakar Sadiq Mustapha, Agaie, Local Government, Niger state.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)—three simple words that should represent universal human rights and the foundation of well-being. Yet for millions, these essentials remain elusive, unravelling into a web of interconnected crises. The absence of clean water sets off a domino effect, collapsing sanitation, deteriorating hygiene, and fueling cycles of malnutrition, disease, and poverty. This cascading crisis, rooted in water scarcity, highlights the fragile balance between humans and their environment, reminding us that the cost of inaction is far too great.

The Domino Effect of Water Scarcity

The lack of water is more than a physical absence; it is a profound assault on health and dignity. Without clean water, sanitation falters, creating an environment ripe for the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Hygiene becomes a privilege, not a standard, forcing vulnerable communities into situations where disease and infection become inevitable. Imagine children with distended bellies, their frail bodies fighting malnutrition compounded by waterborne illnesses. Picture displaced families collecting water from gutters, unknowingly ingesting pathogens that compromise their immune systems further.

These aren’t distant realities but lived experiences for millions. I recall visiting rural communities as a child and seeing firsthand the struggles of those living without access to clean water. The long treks to boreholes, the laborious pumping of taps, and the rationing of water for basic needs—all underscore the inequities of water access. In some areas, taps run only every two days, and households are restricted to a fixed number of buckets. Women and children, often the ones tasked with water collection, bear the brunt of this burden, sacrificing time and energy that could be spent on education or economic pursuits.

The Invisible Crisis: Women and Hygiene

The intersection of water scarcity and gender inequity is glaring. For young girls, menstruation becomes a monthly ordeal without access to adequate water and sanitary products. Forced to use rags or other unhygienic methods, these girls are exposed to infections and are often shamed into missing school. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a denial of their dignity and potential.

The problem doesn’t stop there. In many water-scarce regions, firewood is the primary source of cooking fuel. Women spend hours inhaling smoke while preparing meals, leading to long-term respiratory illnesses. These are silent health crises, hidden behind cultural norms and systemic neglect.

Climate Change: The Catalyst for Crisis

Water scarcity is not an isolated issue; it’s a glaring symptom of climate change and environmental degradation. Deforestation, a key driver of climate change, disrupts water cycles by destroying vital watersheds. As forests vanish, groundwater recharge slows, surface runoff increases and ecosystems suffer. The results are devastating: drying rivers, shrinking water tables, and the loss of biodiversity.

The decline in rainfall, coupled with reduced condensation, signals a planet under immense pressure. Wildfires, fueled by parched landscapes, wreak havoc on ecosystems, releasing carbon emissions that exacerbate global warming. The cascading impacts of water depletion ripple across the natural world, affecting everything from crop yields to the availability of fruits and other essential resources.

The Modern Paradox

Ironically, as water becomes scarcer, modern lifestyles exacerbate the problem. The shift towards processed foods and packaged goods has reduced the consumption of water-rich, natural diets. These choices, driven by convenience, have led to rising rates of chronic diseases, including cancers. The overuse of plastics in packaging further contributes to pollution, compounding the ecological strain.

In urban areas, unsanitary street food conditions highlight the stark contrast between modern convenience and neglected hygiene. Vendors reuse dark, over-heated oils in environments surrounded by stagnant water, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. This convergence of poor sanitation, hygiene, and water scarcity paints a troubling picture of global health challenges.

Change in Collective Action

Addressing the WASH crisis requires collective action and systemic change. It begins with recognizing that clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, essential for health, dignity, and sustainability. Governments must prioritize investment in water infrastructure and embrace sustainable management practices to safeguard dwindling resources. Communities need education and support to adopt responsible consumption habits.

Equally important is empowering women and girls with access to hygiene products and private facilities. This small but vital change can restore their dignity, improve health outcomes, and open doors to education and opportunity.

The Time To Respond Is Now

The cascading crisis of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and hygiene is not an abstract problem; it is an urgent global emergency that demands immediate action. As forests disappear, water sources dry up, and vulnerable communities suffer, the cost of inaction grows heavier by the day.

We cannot afford to treat this as someone else’s problem. From rural villages relying on boreholes to urban streets plagued by poor hygiene, the WASH crisis touches us all. Addressing it means not only safeguarding our present but ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Let us remember: water is life, and its scarcity is a shared burden. The time to act is not tomorrow—it’s today. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a world where water, sanitation, and hygiene are not luxuries but universal realities.

Written by  Shamsiyah Abdulmumini

 The jour ney of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For me, that step was a leap  of faith, a bold decision to venture beyond the confines of my veterinary medicine  studies. A blend of audacity and a touch of delusion propelled me to join the Youth  Leadership Development Program 2024. 

Initially, self-doubt was my constant companion. Could I balance the demands of my  academic pursuits with the rigors of this program? Would I be able to make a  meaningful contribution? These questions echoed in my mind, threatening to stifle my  aspirations. But as I delved deeper into the program, I discovered a newfound sense of  purpose. The self-leadership course empowered me to confront my fears and embrace  my potential. It was a transformative experience that shattered my limiting beliefs and  instilled in me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. 

When it came to choosing a focus area, I was torn between sustainability and  advocacy. Both held immense appeal, but ultimately, I gravitated towards sustainability.  I believed that by promoting sustainable practices, I could address the root causes of  many societal problems. I envisioned a future where communities are empowered to  make informed choices, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the  environment. 

My journey as a community changemaker has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled  with both challenges and triumphs. There were moments of self-doubt when I  questioned my ability to make a significant impact. However, I persevered, fueled by a  deep-seated passion for creating a better world. I learned the importance of  collaboration, the power of perseverance, and the joy of making a difference. 

Through countless hours of volunteering, I witnessed firsthand the impact of  community-driven initiatives. From organizing clean-up drives to raising awareness  about environmental issues, every action, no matter how small, contributed to a larger  movement. I realized that true change is not about grand gestures but about  consistent, collective effort.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was the power of storytelling. By sharing  my experiences and inspiring others, I hoped to ignite a spark within them,  encouraging them to become agents of change. I believe that everyone has the  potential to make a difference, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have been  afforded. I am grateful for the mentors who have guided me, the friends who have  supported me, and the community that has embraced me. I am also grateful for the  challenges I have faced, as they have shaped me into the person I am today. 

Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my work as a community changemaker. I  believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and just  world. I am excited to see what the future holds and to inspire others to join me on this  journey. 

I am a girl who is change and has the audacity intertwined with delusion insisting to be  heard.

Written by  Shamsiyah Abdulmumini

In a remarkable effort to tackle climate change and improve food security in Northwest Nigeria, Green Habitat Initiative (GHI), with funding from the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) and support from the Climate Technology Center and Network (CTCN), hosted a two-day Workshop on Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Argungu, Kebbi State. Held on November 28 – 29, 2024, the event brought together stakeholders, farmers, and experts to build resilience against climate challenges.

Bridging the Gap with RANETA

Central to the workshop was the introduction of the Radio and Internet for Climate Technology in Agricultural Resilience (RANETA) system. Designed to deliver agrometeorological data in farmer-friendly formats, RANETA aims to equip smallholder farmers with early warning systems and actionable insights. This initiative seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and empower rural communities that often face challenges like market failures, insecure land tenure, and lack of climate information.

Aims and Objectives

The workshop targeted 60 smallholder farmers from Farfajiya Farms in Argungu, comprising 29 women and 31 men. The goals were clear:

1. Awareness: Create an understanding of climate change impacts on agriculture.
2. Knowledge: Provide skills to implement sustainable practices.
3. Collaboration: Foster a support network among farmers and extension workers.
4. Innovation: Encourage the adoption of new technologies.
5. Capacity Building: Empower participants to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Workshop Sessions: Learning and Action

Day 1: Understanding Climate Change

The workshop began with a welcome address by GHI Project Manager Mr. Yazid Haruna Shayau, who set the tone for two days of learning and collaboration. The sessions covered critical topics like the effects of climate change on agriculture, led by Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliero, Deputy Dean at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology. Participants learned how global climate changes impact rural farmers and the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The role of trust in weather forecasts and the integration of technology in early warning systems were discussed by Mr Faruk Garba Illo, Director of Projects at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. These sessions highlighted the importance of reliable data dissemination through systems like RANETA.

Day 2: Building Resilience and Practical Training

The second day emphasized actionable strategies, with sessions on building resilience for rural farmers and implementing policies for sustainable agricultural practices. The participants also engaged in fieldwork and practical demonstrations, making the theoretical lessons tangible.

A notable highlight was the stakeholder discussion involving extension workers and farm leaders, led by Mr. Bala Muhammad, Kebbi State Program Officer of IFAD. These discussions laid the groundwork for collaborative action plans to sustain the RANETA system.

Stakeholder Engagement: A Collaborative Effort

The workshop concluded with a robust action plan for extension workers and farm leaders, focusing on:

• Weekly farmer engagement to discuss weather updates.
• Bi-weekly virtual meetings for the RANETA team and stakeholders.
• Quarterly reviews with traditional rulers and community leaders.

While the workshop achieved significant progress, challenges like limited financial resources for communication and travel were identified. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the success of RANETA.

Outcomes and Closing Remarks

The President of GHI and Project Director for RANETA TA, Engr. Sadiq Gulma, commended the participants for their enthusiasm and the facilitators for their expertise. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to create resilient and sustainable farming systems.

A Vision for the Future

This workshop underscores GHI’s commitment to advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in combating climate change, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security. By equipping farmers with knowledge and tools, initiatives like this pave the way for a resilient agricultural future in Nigeria.

As GHI continues to drive innovative solutions, the lessons from Argungu serve as a model for empowering communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

World Wetlands Day is a global awareness campaign celebrated every year on 2nd February to highlight the value of wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 and which now has a global membership of 172 countries (Nigeria included), officially known as Contracting Parties.

World Wetlands Day is a global awareness campaign celebrated every year on 2nd February to highlight the importance and state of our Wetlands.

Wetlands

A wetland is simply a land that is covered by water (could be fresh water, salt water, or a mixture of both). A wetland has its own ecosystem and a variety of plants and animals that inhabit it such as alligators, snakes, turtles, and salamanders. A wetland does not only consist of reptiles, as some birds like plovers, grouse, herons, etc are birds found in wetlands around the world.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) described wetlands as transitional areas, sandwiched between permanently flooded deepwater environments and well-drained uplands, where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is covered by shallow water. They include mangroves, marshes (salt, brackish, intermediate, and fresh), swamps, forested wetlands, bogs, wet prairies, prairie potholes, and vernal pools.

Image: A wetland

Image source: Pixabay

Image: A wetland

Image source: Pixabay

Wetlands in Nigeria

Nigeria is a vast nation blessed with numerous natural resources among which are wetlands. Some of the Wetlands in Nigeria include the Imo River, Lake Chad, Ogun-Osun River, Niger Delta, Niger River, Benue River, and Qua Iboec River estuary. They are very important to the ecosystem of the nation and home to many natural resources ranging from plants, and animals to crude oil. Oil spillage has been a major source of concern for the loss of the wetlands ecosystem in Nigeria, and the concern keeps growing as the oil keeps spilling due to oil pipeline vandalism or during extraction.

Image: Oil gushing from oil wellhead

Source: Reuters

Image: Oil spilled on a wetland

Source: The Guardian

Importance of Wetlands

• Habitat

Wetlands house a variety of plants that are very essential to our ecosystem. They are also home to a variety of animals ranging from vertebrates and reptiles to mammals whose existence is solely in wetlands.

• Water quality

Wetlands improve the quality of water in the ecosystem by trapping the runoff water and filtering it through chemical, biological, and physical processes before the water reaches the open water. 

• Flood Control

The process of filtering the runoff water prevents the water from going to the open water directly. It slows down the flow of water that goes into the open waters and thereby prevents its overflow. Additionally, The roots of the plants in a wetland also hold the soil together and make it more resistant to erosion.

• Recreation and Aesthetics

Wetlands are pleasing to the eye and sometimes included in landscape designs. Wetlands are serene natural environments that serve as destination spots for a lot of people for recreation and leisure.

WWD 2023 Theme

The theme for this year’s world wetlands day is Wetlands Restoration. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, and more than 35% of wetlands have been degraded or lost since 1970. Reversing this trend is critical and it will take the collective effort of individuals, the private sector, and governments to restore the wetlands to what they once were.

The major responsibility of protecting the wetlands rests on the government and they can start by spreading awareness on the importance of our wetlands, their current states/conditions, and how we can all join hands to save them. Government can also protect the Wetlands through zoning (zoning developments that could harm the Wetlands away from the Wetlands) and by monitoring the activities that go on, in and around the Wetlands. Individuals and organizations can help the Wetlands by properly disposing of their wastes so these wastes won’t end up in the Wetlands. 

All hands are needed on deck for the wetlands restoration and it starts with you and me. The least we can do is to raise awareness for the saddening conditions of our wetlands and highlight what is at risk if we continue to lose our precious wetlands. Everyone has a responsibility to spread the message beyond  2nd February by amplifying the issues using the hashtags (#GenerationRestoration, #ForWetlands) for our social media posts concerning the wetlands. For more information, you can visit the official website of WWD.

The 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27), organized by the group of nations that have signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place from 6th to 20th November 2022 in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, has a close relationship with GHI’s mission; to support the advancement, adoption, and implementation of sustainable policies and frameworks in order to protect and conserve our environment.

One of the goals of COP is mitigation: uniting to limit global warming to well below 2 c and working hard to keep the 1.5 c target alive. As a strong advocate for SDG13 (climate action), GHI assumes the responsibility of promoting climate action in Nigeria. Our approach includes pushing for climate actions among policymakers, organizing events to educate the general public, and implementing projects in line with the SDG 13 goal.

The Global Goal on Adaptation was one of the significant outcomes of COP26. Extreme weather events from floods, rise in sea level, and desertification have become an everyday reality of lives in Nigeria. GHI is bringing awareness to the activities that lead to these environmental crises and how we can adapt to new practices that reverse the effects of climate change.

GHI’s approach through partnerships to make an impact on a bigger scale is related to COP 27’s goal of collaboration to enhance and facilitate agreements in negotiations for the Presidency of COP27 to achieve tangible results in a balanced manner. GHI has partnered in the past with organizations such as the ministry of environment, the French and German embassy, the H2O mechanics, etc. It seeks to partner in the future with government organizations, private organizations, academia, and other nonprofits advocating and implementing SDG 13. 

According to COP 27’s goal of collaboration, “the advancement of partnership and collaboration ensures the world is adopting a more resilient, and sustainable economic model where humans are at the center of climate talks”.

One thing that sparked GHI’s interest in the recently concluded COP is the Carbon Trading Scheme outlined by U.S climate envoy John F. Kerry. According to earth.org, the scheme aims to widen carbon credits sale with the objective of enhancing renewable projects in developing countries. It would permit companies to claim carbon credits for investing in clean energy and decarbonisation projects all over the developing world. The credits are based on decarbonisation projects and will not be accessible to fossil fuel companies. Nigeria’s minister of environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed Nigeria’s support for the scheme.

On November 14 (Water day), the COP27 Presidency, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), launched the Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience Initiative (AWARe) to address water security and adaptations African communities can adopt to decrease water loss, propose and implement policy methods and promote cooperation.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) and partners also launched the African Cities Water Adaptation Fund (ACWA Fund) that will channel U.S $5 billion towards urban water resilience solution projects that are implemented in a strategic and innovative way in 100 African cities by 2032. The Fund will support local leaders to use trending resources by understanding climate-water risks and socioeconomic impacts; identifying,  prioritizing, and preparing projects; structuring deals and connecting to grants and capital; and scaling delivery by standardizing project development manuals, deals, and contracts. 

These measures that will be implemented to enhance climate action and water-security will directly or indirectly support what GHI stands for and what it aims to achieve. GHI is open to collaboration with all stakeholders in promoting a climate-friendly earth.

GHI is currently implementing the U.S $2 million USAID-funded project for Improved Sustainability of WASH services in Kebbi and Sokoto States, Nigeria, aimed at reducing waterborne diseases.

Aisha is a communications assistant at GHI headquarters, Abuja. She is a humanitarian at heart, she loves helping others as it makes her feel accomplished. She is strongly against acts that promote global warming; as such, she loves gardening.

The AOR (Mr. Olagoke Akinlabi) operates a rehabilitated hand-pump in Etene community, Kalgo LGA.

The USAID Economic Growth and Environment (EGE) Team overseeing the I-WASH Activity being implemented by Green Habitat Initiative visited select project sites in Kebbi State to monitor key milestone achievements from the 27^thto 28^th September, 2022.

The two day visit covered construction sites across the three I-WASH LGAs including Argungu, Gwandu and Kalgo. Some of the construction facilities that were inspected included 2 rehabilitated handpumps at Etene (Kalgo), 1 rehabilitated handpump at Lailaba ( Argungu LGA) 1 rehabilitated handpump at Tungar Zazzagawa (Argungu) and 3 Solar-Powered Boreholes at Tungar Zazzagawa UBE, Sauwa UBE and Sauwa Community all in Argungu LGA respectively. Other facilities include the 2 toilets and 2 handwashing facilities situated at Sauwa UBE.

In Lailaba ward, located in Argungu LGA, the USAID team visited Katangar Arewa, a community with very limited access to potable water supply. The only accessible source of water in the community is a hand pump borehole that functioned seasonally. However, following the I-WASH intervention in the community, the handpump has now been upgraded and rehabilitated and can now serve throughout the year.

Besides Lailaba, located on an elevated landscape, the people of Sauwa community in Argungu LGA had only one major source of water in the community, which is unsafe because it is an open hand-dug well. The well also dries up when the harmattan season starts and through the dry season, leaving the community vulnerable and deprived. However, with the new solar-powered borehole installed with a capacity of 12,000 litres which can be filled up to 4 times daily, about 2,500 members of the community can now meet the basic access of 20 litres per capita per day as result of the I-WASH Activity.

Some of the major highlights of the visit by the EGE Team was the engagement of the community members and hearing these stories first hand, other interesting outcomes of the I-WASH Activity included meeting the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOM) who are the backbone of the intervention and ensure sustainability of the I-WASH project. The WASHCOMs, established by GHI, are the community management structures responsible for coordinating all Water, Sanitation and Hygiene activities in their respective communities. The community leaders expressed their gratitude for the provision of these WASH facilities. In Sauwa, Argungu LGA, the District Head, Muhammad Tajudeen said that the water from the new Solar-powered borehole was the cleanest and most palatable water in the area.

At the end of the visit, the USAID team displayed their satisfaction with the quality of work. The USAID Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Usen Akpan) said to the GHI Team, “You have done well and we are proud of you.” In a similar vein, the USAID WASH Specialist (Kohol Shiedu) mentioned that, “I look forward to the designs for Sokoto so we can do something even better.”

The facilities provided under this milestone has improved access to basic water supply, improved sanitation and hygiene facilities for up to 12,183 beneficiaries across the target areas.

GHI remains committed to providing access to potable water, sanitation and hygiene services to underserved communities in order to improve their health and socio-economic well-being.

The AOR was entertained by community members to show appreciation to USAID for funding the I-WASH activity at Sauwa community, Argungu LGA.

 

The USAID team and community members inspect a handwashing facility at Sauwa UBE, Argungu LGA.

CAUSES OF DESERTIFICATION

Desertification is the degradation of a fertile land into a desert by losing its flora and fauna. The official definition by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) that has been widely used since it’s formulation in 1994 is that “desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic fluctuations and human activities .” Desertification is not a natural process of deserts expanding to new regions, but rather a form of land degradation caused primarily by human activity in vulnerable areas. 

Degradation of fertile land leads to desertification

Desertification is more prevalent in Africa and Asia, with 90% of places affected belonging to the world’s poorest regions. According to the current estimates, approximately 37 percent of the land in Africa is on the edge of turning irreversibly into desert. About 33 percent of Asia faces the same risk as well.

Causes of Desertification

Overgrazing

Overgrazing and desertification have always been closely linked together. Overgrazing occurs when plants are exposed to intensive grazing without sufficient recovery period. It can be caused by either livestock in poorly managed agricultural applications, game reserves, or nature reserves.

Overgrazing can reduce ground cover, making way to erosion and compaction of the land by wind and rain. This reduces the ability of water to penetrate the ground, inhibits the growth of plants and ultimately leads to serious erosion of the land.

Unsustainable agricultural practices

Through inconsiderate methods such as heavy tilling, farming may also speed up the process of desertification. The common farming activity of removing natural vegetation that holds the brittle soil in place exposes the ground to slow degradation. The productive soil layer wears away in just a few short seasons.

Moreover, the use of chemical pest control and fertilisers can also have a negative effect on the soil fertility. While this may work in the short term, it has bigger and wider consequences in the long run as it affects the soil over time. 

Deforestation

Deforestation is one of the leading human causes of desertification. Trees are being cut down at a much larger scale than ever before, for use as fuel, for the manufacture of products we use in our daily life, or to simply create more space for agriculture.

When the trees and other vegetation in an area are cleared, there would be no roots to hold soils in place and no canopy to shield the ground from the direct rainfall sun’s heat. The bare soil then easily dries out and turns to dust, which can be blown and washed away in a single storm.

Deforestation is one of the leading causes of desertification

Once the soil is degraded and the precious nutrients are lost, only infertile and lifeless swaths of land are left behind. And what’s more, without trees, even the local climate becomes drier due to the lack of water evapotranspiration from tree canopy, which reduces cloud formation in the region and results in less rain.

Water management

Unsustainable water management is another factor that leads to desertification.

The problem of worsening desertification doesn’t have to be linked only to agricultural lands, unsustainable water management occurs even in cities and tourist destinations that are built in arid or semi-arid areas. These places often draw large quantities of groundwater from natural aquifers, not letting them naturally replenish and eventually facing water scarcity just as recently experienced in Cape Town in South Africa. 

Lack of water to support farming and the encroachment of desert sand into villages are already posing a huge problem to rice farmers throughout the regions of northern China. While farmers despair about their inability to cultivate rice fields, local agronomists confirm that it was the water over extraction to create rice paddies that has significantly contributed to the current desert expansion.

Urbanisation

The more cities grow, the more forest land we lose. As areas become more urbanised, there are fewer places for plants to grow, thus causing desertification. Land degradation due to urbanisation has strongly affected many countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Spain and other places with hot climate, where urban and tourist areas spread along the rivers or coastlines, sealing these lands and pushing farming away onto marginal lands, which will only accelerate their desertification over time.

Urbanisation can indirectly cause desertification

Other direct and indirect causes of desertification include climate change, mining, soil pollution and overpopulation. Considering that the factors responsible for desertification are mostly man made, all key stakeholders (governments, industries, farmers, etc.) need to act proactively on reversing it.

Nurudeen habeebullahi O.

Program Assistant 

Green Habitat Initiative (GHI)

Abuja

habeebullah.nurideen@greenhabitat.ng

08139156582

Facebook: nurudeen habeebullahi

Instagram: emperor_hajo

There are many great benefits from being an entrepreneur, such as having flexible work hours and having complete control over how the business is run. However, there are also downsides to it. A common challenge with entrepreneurship is how stressful it could be if one is not well-skilled in time and tasks management. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who doesn’t want to deal with such stress, then why not start or switch to an eco-friendly business?

Using waste containers in gardening is eco-friendly

The benefits of starting an eco-friendly business

An eco-friendly business, also known as a green business, is a sustainable enterprise which has a positive effect or at the very least has minimal negative impact on the  environment. This could be in the form of recycling waste material that is harmful to the environment, efficient use of natural resources (e.g. water), or avoiding harmful chemical substances. 

Some other benefits of starting a green business include:

• A growing customer base: With the changing times, an increasingly growing number of people are becoming more inclined towards eco-friendly products. Not only do people buy the products, they also promote them so that other people can buy them as well. 

• Profitability: The L.E.K Consumer Sustainability Survey (2022) found out that 50% of consumers are willing to pay a premium amount for sustainable brands. This number continues to grow as people are becoming more convinced of the need to protect the environment..

• Investment security: Eco-friendly businesses can be sustainable and profitable in the long run, even if one doesn’t know how to scale them immediately or make a little profit in the first few years of operation. 

• Savings on bills: Eco-friendly businesses help the owner save money on utilities like electricity since they use renewable resources (wind, solar, etc.) instead of fossil fuels for power generation.

Eco-Friendly Business Ideas

For those looking for simple ways of starting a green business, below are some great ideas that do not require huge capital.

1. A thrift/second-hand store: This is a sustainable means recycling used items (e.g clothes, books) that are still in good condition and sold at a lower price. It can be an online or a walk-in store. It reduces unnecessary waste and helps the economy.

2. Green restaurants: Opening a restaurant that has vegan options and sells locally-sourced foods will attract customers that want to live healthy lifestyles as well as help the environment.

3. Nursery and plant delivery service: Due to awareness on how plants can be beneficial to our health, people are buying plants much more than in the past years. Indoor plants are also used in modern day architecture to beautify the interior of houses. Hence, opening a nursery for such plants could be very lucrative. Offering delivery services of the plants is an additional revenue source to your business and people would gladly pay for the convenience of getting the plants delivered rather than picking them up. The delivery service is also sustainable because mass delivery can be carried out at once. This reduces the carbon emissions from every customer having to use their vehicle. Another idea is to partner with interior designers to be supplying the plants they need on their projects.

4. Green event planning: Events generate a large amount of plastic waste as well as compostibles. Opening an eco-friendly event planning company will reduce the amount of waste generated and plastics used in that event by substituting plastic with other reusable options like glass and delivering all the compostable waste to a composting site. Eco-friendly event planners save cost by reusing materials. Also, they are recognized and promoted while spreading awareness on climate change in their events.

5. Eco-friendly gift shop: This kills two birds with one stone. People buy organic gifts for their loved ones while also indirectly helping the environment.

Not quite set for any of the above ideas? Here are more green business ideas you may look into:

• Organic food, cosmetics and clothing

• Bamboo products

• Baby and pet products

• Organic garden products (gardening gloves, fertilizer)

• Cleaning products

• organic home decor

Eco Friendly Services

There are also services you can offer with even less or no capital investment at all. These include:

1. Fundraising and writing grants: If you have a nonprofit, grant-writing or fundraising experience, this is for you. A lot of donors are willing to give funds for nonprofits driving towards sustainability. You can offer to write proposals or organize fundraisers for non profit organizations for a fee. You get to make your own input in driving towards a sustainable world while making profit out of it.

3. Eco-friendly cleaning services: Detergents and other cleaning agents commonly used in households have hazardous chemicals. Also, the disposal of each plastic container of a cleaning agent rather than replacing the products is unsustainable. Starting an environmentally safe cleaning service could target reducing the amount of the hazardous waste and also limiting the amount of plastic waste being generated from households. You can also make and sell environment friendly cleaning agents in packages other than plastic.

4. Sustainability, environment and waste management blog: As a side hobby, publishing blogs on sustainability and environmental awareness can attract wide readership. Such blogs or websites can be monetized by charging for ads.

5. Solar panel installation: Households are slowly moving towards renewable energy. Acquiring the skills for solar panels installation is another way to build an eco-friendly business. 

The next time you think about starting a business or even just looking for ideas on how to do so, try checking out these eco-friendly businesses. As you must have noticed, they are all very different from one another but all share an environmental friendliness objective. I await your feedback with the success story of whichever idea you picked. 

If you have any questions, please let me know in the comment section below!

Aisha is a communications assistant at GHI headquarters, Abuja. She is a humanitarian at heart, she loves helping others as it makes her feel accomplished. She is strongly against acts that promote global warming; as such, she loves gardening.