Gully erosion has wreaked havoc across Gombe State, Nigeria, leaving a trail of destruction in over 200 communities. Thousands of hectares of land have been swallowed by these expanding chasms, rendering them unusable for farming or habitation. The erosion has also claimed countless homes, displacing numerous families and leaving them without shelter or livelihoods. The once-familiar landscape is now scarred by deep gullies and ravines, a stark testament to the severity of the environmental crisis. This devastation has not only impacted the physical environment but also the socio-economic fabric of the affected communities, disrupting lives and threatening the very survival of many residents.
The scale of the damage prompted a visit by Engr. Anda Yalaks, National Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Erosion Adaptation and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), which is supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The purpose of the visit was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the erosion and gather data to inform the development of effective intervention strategies. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Yalaks affirmed the commitment of NEWMAP to assist Gombe State in combating this environmental challenge. The assessment, he explained, will be crucial in designing interventions that address the root causes of the erosion and provide sustainable solutions.
The Gombe State Project Coordinator for NEWMAP EIB, Dr. Shittu Jafaru, expressed gratitude for the support received from the national project implementation unit. He emphasized the significance of the intervention, highlighting its potential to address the multifaceted environmental problems plaguing the state. Jafaru underscored the far-reaching consequences of the erosion, noting that it extends beyond property damage to impacting the livelihoods of numerous residents. The loss of homes and farmlands has deprived families of their sources of income and sustenance, exacerbating their vulnerability and pushing them deeper into poverty.
One of the most severely affected areas is Bogo/BCGA in Gombe Metropolis, where the erosive forces have washed away over 200 houses and caused millions of naira worth of property damage. The loss of homes, coupled with the destruction of valuable farmlands, has dealt a devastating blow to the local economy and the well-being of the residents. The widespread devastation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained interventions to mitigate the impact of erosion and restore the affected communities.
In response to this environmental crisis, the Gombe State Government has actively sought international assistance, securing a crucial intervention from the European Investment Bank through the NEWMAP initiative. This collaboration represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing erosion problem. The state government has demonstrated its commitment by providing N500 million in counterpart funding, a testament to its recognition of the gravity of the situation and its resolve to find lasting solutions. This financial contribution signifies a substantial investment in the fight against erosion and underscores the government’s determination to protect its citizens and their environment.
The intervention from the EIB and the commitment of the Gombe State Government have instilled a sense of hope among the affected communities. Residents, who have long endured the devastating consequences of erosion, are optimistic that this collaborative effort will bring much-needed relief. They anticipate that the intervention will not only mitigate the immediate impacts of erosion but also contribute to the long-term restoration of their communities. The prospect of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods has renewed their hope for a more secure and sustainable future. The combined efforts of international organizations, the state government, and the resilience of the communities themselves offer a promising path towards recovery and a brighter future for Gombe State.
