The current state of waste management in Nigeria is a major concern due to the high rate of waste generation and poor management practices, coupled with the high rate of population increase. Nigeria produces an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with only about 20-30 percent of it being collected and managed correctly. The remainder of the waste is either dumped in unauthorised places or burned, contributing to pollution and health risks. 

Nigeria is the largest producer of solid waste in Africa, with approximately 70 percent of it being plastic waste that ends up in landfills, water bodies, or sewers. According to the World Bank, Nigeria ranks as the tenth-largest producer of unmanaged plastic waste globally, accounting for 2.7 percent of the total. Moreover, the World Bank projects that Nigeria will become the largest generator of unmanaged plastic waste in Africa by 2050. 

The consequences of improper waste management are dire, ranging from air and water pollution to soil contamination and the depletion of natural resources. 

The limited number of recycling facilities further compounds the problem. While recycling is recognised as a crucial component of sustainable waste management, many states and cities lack sufficient infrastructure to effectively sort, process, and recycle waste. As a result, a significant portion of recyclable materials ends up in landfills or incinerators, exacerbating environmental degradation and wasting valuable resources that could be reused. 

Moreover, the solid waste crisis in these cities is fueled by insufficient public awareness campaigns. Many residents are unaware of the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal on their health and the environment. The absence of comprehensive education and outreach programs limits public participation in waste management efforts. As a result, individuals may not prioritise waste reduction, separation, and recycling, leading to increased waste generation and further strain on the already overburdened waste management system. 

The consequences of neglecting the solid waste crisis are severe and wide-ranging. Air pollution is a significant concern, as uncontrolled waste burning releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, compromising air quality and contributing to respiratory illnesses. Water pollution is another critical issue, as leachate from poorly managed landfills can contaminate groundwater sources, posing risks to both human health and ecosystems. Soil contamination can occur when hazardous waste is not properly disposed of, leading to long-term ecological damage and potential health hazards for agricultural activities. 

In the face of the mounting solid waste problem in these cities, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches that go beyond traditional solutions. One such approach is the implementation of a market-based mechanism, similar to

emission trading, which has the potential to revolutionise waste management practices and drive a sustainable transformation in these cities. 

The concept of a market-based mechanism for waste management is inspired by the success of “Cap and Trade” emission trading schemes, such as the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), which have been effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By applying a similar framework to solid waste, state or municipal governments can create a marketplace for waste credits, introducing economic incentives to encourage waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal practices. 

The first step in implementing this mechanism would involve the establishment of a regulatory body responsible for determining the maximum allowable waste production levels for businesses, communities, and households in these cities, known as capping. These limits or caps would be translated into waste credits, which would then be allocated to entities based on their waste production history and other relevant factors. This allocation process ensures fairness and provides a baseline for entities to work towards reducing their waste. 

Crucially, these waste credits would be tradable among entities and communities within these cities. This means that entities or communities that successfully reduce their waste below their allocated credits can sell their surplus credits to other entities struggling to meet their waste targets. This creates a market where the economic value of waste reduction is recognised and rewarded. Entities or communities that exceed their allocated credits would face financial penalties, further incentivising them to adopt more sustainable waste management practices. 

To ensure the integrity of the waste credit market, a robust monitoring and verification system would be established. This system would include periodic waste audits, supported by advanced technologies and thorough inspections, to track waste generation, disposal practices, and recycling efforts. Compliance with waste reduction targets and transparent reporting would be essential to maintain trust and credibility within the market. 

Implementing a market-based mechanism for waste management offers several significant benefits. Firstly, it incentivises waste reduction by assigning a financial value to neighbourhoods that actively work to reduce their waste. Businesses and households would be motivated to adopt sustainable waste management practices to gain valuable waste credits, leading to a substantial reduction in overall waste generation across the state. 

Furthermore, this approach encourages innovation and investment in waste management technologies and infrastructure. The prospect of trading waste credits creates a market opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and implement new recycling methods, waste-to-energy solutions, and other sustainable practices. This surge in innovation attracts investment, fosters economic growth, and generates job opportunities in the waste management sector. 

A market-based mechanism also amplifies public participation and awareness in waste management. Individuals and communities would actively seek ways to reduce waste to gain waste credits, fostering a culture of waste reduction and resource conservation. This collective effort from citizens contributes to a cleaner environment and enhances the overall quality of life in the cities.

Market-based waste management system 

Importantly, the implementation of a market-based approach would significantly improve environmental and public health outcomes. By effectively managing waste through waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal practices, the state can mitigate air and water pollution, reduce soil contamination, and minimise the depletion of natural resources. This, in turn, promotes a healthier environment for residents and safeguards public health. 

In conclusion, a market-based mechanism holds great potential in tackling the solid waste crisis in Nigeria’s urban centres. By creating a marketplace for waste credits, state governments can incentivise waste reduction, encourage innovation, foster public participation, and improve environmental and public health outcomes. As the relevant authorities consider this novel approach, it has the opportunity to become a trailblazer in effective waste management, setting an example for other regions to follow. Through this transformation, states can forge a path towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

Finally, while market-based solutions offer innovative ways to address solid waste challenges, they are not without limitations, especially when it comes to practical implementation. Hence, effective implementation requires careful consideration of the local context, equity, regulatory frameworks, and the specific waste management context of the areas where they are implemented.

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