Conference Agenda

The restoration of ecosystem services is essential for addressing growing food insecurity in the Sahel. Innovative nature-based solutions (NbS) are urgently needed, as climate change, agricultural expansion, and regional instability are putting pressure on rangelands that sustain over 50 million livestock herders. Our study focuses on the Hadejia Valley in Northern Nigeria, where the invasive plant species Typha spp. has become a serious environmental and socio-economic threat, degrading wetlands and irrigation systems vital for local livelihoods. We evaluate the adoption of a novel NbS that converts Typha into silage—livestock feed—offering a dual benefit: controlling the spread of the invasive species while enhancing climate resilience and food security. Using survey data from 260 herders in the Hadejia Valley, we apply Heckman’s two-stage model to examine both the decision to adopt this solution and the willingness to pay (WTP) for silage derived from Typha. Our results show that although women are less likely to adopt the practice, they exhibit a higher WTP for the silage. Membership in herder organizations and shared infrastructure significantly increase WTP. Transhumant herders are more inclined to adopt the technology, reflecting its relevance to mobile pastoral systems. Furthermore, participation in workshops and demonstration sessions positively influences adoption decisions. These findings offer critical insights for designing and scaling locally adapted NbS in the region. By linking ecosystem restoration with livelihood resilience, the study highlights a promising pathway for sustainable development in drought-prone pastoral areas.