Kneeling in the shallow edge of a drying wetland near Kware, Sokoto State, 22-year-old Musa Abdullahi dipped his hands into the cracked soil, scattering seeds of water-tolerant grasses. The midday sun was harsh, but Musa’s resolve was stronger.
“This place used to be alive with fish, frogs, and birds,” he said. “Now, the water disappears too quickly, and everything is changing. We are trying to bring it back.”
The wetland, once a seasonal hub for migratory birds and a lifeline for nearby farmers, has been shrinking steadily over the past decade. Local elders recall a time when herons, kingfishers, and ducks crowded the shoreline. Now, only a few remain.
In June, a youth-led group under Make Sokoto Green Development Initiative launched a community restoration campaign, planting over 500 seedlings of native wetland plants and setting up small earthen dams to slow water runoff.
Environmental scientist Dr. Halima Danjuma explained why the effort matters: “Wetlands are nature’s water storage. They filter pollutants, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for countless species. Losing them means losing a shield against climate extremes.”
Funding came in part from contributions by local traders and farmers, along with technical support from the state forestry department. Volunteers, including secondary school students, joined in, some for the first time learning about the link between healthy wetlands and food security.
By month’s end, the once-barren edges had begun showing green shoots. For Musa and his team, it was a small sign of hope. “If we can bring life back here,” he said, “we can protect it for our children.”
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