Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world‘s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels.
2018 Theme “Land has true value – invest in it.”
Every one of us has a role to play, know the true value of land and invest in it:
At MMAWT legacy initiative our objective for the environment is two-pronged – enlightenment and technology. First, we have to show the people the impact of climate change most especially from tree felling to make firewood and charcoal to water conservation. Secondly, the foundation has partnered with various stakeholders to provide alternative cooking/fuel solutions and cooking alternatives using practical technology solutions.
The encroaching Sahara Desert that is racing down around one mile per annum, which is very prevalent in Sokoto state on the edge of the desert. The ever present change in the climate is affecting and has impacted on our livelihood and health. We are joining the fight against desertification in Sokoto through various programmes from enlightenment to tree planting initiatives. One area which we intend to make a significant impact is changing cooking methods of our people, who rely mostly on firewood and charcoal to cook.
Unlocking women’s transformative potential: The Gender Action Plan
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recently created a new plan to support and enhance gender-responsive policy needs. The Gender Action Plan (GAP) that will increase and strengthen the participation and leadership of women at all levels of decision-making and local implementation of the UNCCD, including drought management as well as sand and dust storms and land degradation neutrality interventions, with the aim to reach gender parity by 2030.
Women are active agents of change. Evidence shows that when women are given equal opportunities and access to resources and decision-making, communities become more prosperous and more peaceful. UNCCD parties are committed to improving the quality of life for women worldwide. This plan represents a landmark opportunity to transform gender equality and human rights into action.
We at MMAWT Legacy Initiative are also committed to combating Desertification and Drought, for we are of the belief, that “Our Environment is Our Empowerment”. 
