FROM ABUNDANCE TO ABSENCE: AN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITIES PERCEPTIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE, DESERTIFICATION AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF WILD FOOD PLANTS IN NORTHERN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change intensifies desertification through extreme events such as increased land surface air temperatures and drought. Variability in rainfall onset, early cessation, and overall decline in rainfall further contribute to these processes. These factors adversely affect the functions and availability of plant biodiversity in the semi-arid ecosystems of northern Nigeria. Wild Food Plants (WFP) are among the most affected components of this biodiversity. WFP serve as essential resources for food and nutritional security in the semi-arid, food-insecure regions of northern Nigeria. Consequently, there is an urgent need to document these changes at both community and species composition levels. Recent evidence demonstrates that climate-driven biodiversity loss is accelerating across West African drylands, with WFP species disappearing more rapidly than they can be documented. This study investigates the perspectives of communities residing along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border regarding the impact of climate change and desertification on WFP availability, comparing current conditions with historical baselines. Data collection involved household questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and field surveys. Findings indicate that reports of WFP species disappearance or decline were more frequent than reports of increases or introductions of new species. Participants aged 70 years and above, both men and women, demonstrated greater awareness of these species changes, with men more frequently perceiving decreases and disappearances. The study recommends the reintroduction of disappeared WFP species, conservation of those in decline, and the adoption of sustainable environmental resource management to promote WFP regeneration in the study area.