Eco-Tourism Dilemma: Striking a Balance Between Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation in the Lake Chad Region

By Muhammad Mala

Kanempress Digital Hub

6th December 2024

The Lake Chad region, particularly in Nigeria’s Borno and Yobe States, faces a critical eco-tourism dilemma. While the potential for economic growth through eco-tourism exists, ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises complicate this opportunity.

This report provides a practical overview of the current situation, highlighting specific incidents, locations, and the urgent need for sustainable development, supplemented by interviews with local residents and experts.

The security landscape in Borno and Yobe States remains precarious, with frequent attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups. These incidents threaten the safety of residents and hinder economic activities and humanitarian efforts. The recent attack on a military convoy in Monguno, Borno State, in October 2024, which resulted in multiple fatalities and heightened fears among local populations, is a stark reality of the ongoing volatility affecting both security personnel and civilians.

The insecurity has led to restricted access for humanitarian organizations, with many aid workers relying solely on UNHAS helicopters to reach internally displaced persons (IDPs) in areas like Guzamala and Marte, as road travel is deemed too dangerous due to frequent ambushes. This limited access has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of assistance.

The healthcare system in these areas is under severe strain due to ongoing violence and displacement of populations. According to reports from health sector partners, areas such as Monguno LGA are experiencing increased cases of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) and skin infections among IDPs, attributed to poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.

The recent cholera outbreaks in Yola North, Adamawa State, in December 2024, which resulted in over 12 new cases, demonstrated how insecurity can lead to public health crises that spill over into neighboring regions.

Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a healthcare worker in Maiduguri, stated, “The lack of security has made it nearly impossible for us to provide adequate care. Many patients are afraid to come to hospitals due to the risk of attacks.

We are seeing more cases of preventable diseases because people are not getting the help they need.” This sentiment is echoed by many healthcare workers in the region, who are struggling to provide basic medical care in the face of ongoing insecurity.

The educational infrastructure has been severely affected by the insurgency, leading to widespread school closures and increased illiteracy rates. In Yobe State, particularly in towns like Damaturu and Geidam, schools have been closed indefinitely due to fears of attacks.

Teachers report that many students are reluctant to attend school because of persistent threats of abduction. The recent attack on a school in Damboa, Borno State, in August 2024, which resulted in several student abductions, further erodes trust in educational institutions and exacerbates the learning crisis.

A teacher from Damboa, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “We live in constant fear. Many parents refuse to send their children to school because they worry about their safety. Education is suffering deeply here; we need urgent intervention.” This sentiment is echoed by many teachers and educators in the region, who are struggling to provide quality education in the face of ongoing insecurity.

The economic ramifications of the insurgency are profound, particularly for agriculture—the backbone of the local economy. Farmers across Borno State have been unable to access their farmlands due to insecurity. Reports indicate that agricultural output has plummeted by over 50% since the onset of the insurgency, leading to increased food prices and reliance on humanitarian aid. As of late 2024, over 4 million people in northeastern Nigeria are experiencing acute food insecurity, with many families relying solely on aid for survival.

Abubakar Umar, a farmer from Bama, lamented, “I used to grow enough food for my family and sell some at the market. Now I can’t even reach my farm without risking my life. We depend on food aid now; it’s heartbreaking.” This sentiment is echoed by many farmers and traders in the community, who are struggling to make a living in the face of ongoing insecurity.

Despite these challenges, eco-tourism presents a potential avenue for economic revitalization while promoting environmental sustainability. The region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage could attract tourists if developed responsibly.

Engaging local communities in eco-tourism initiatives can provide economic benefits while ensuring that cultural practices are preserved. For instance, local artisans could showcase their crafts to tourists.

Developing eco-friendly infrastructure—such as lodges using sustainable materials—could improve local amenities while attracting visitors interested in nature-based tourism. Promoting initiatives aimed at conserving unique ecosystems around Lake Chad can help maintain ecological integrity while generating income through tourism activities like bird watching or guided nature tours.

Dr. Louis Sevitenyi Nkwatoh from Yobe State University remarked, “Eco-tourism could be a game changer for this region if done right. It can create jobs and promote conservation while providing much-needed income for families affected by conflict.” This sentiment is echoed by many experts and stakeholders in the region, who believe that eco-tourism can play a critical role in promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and improving the lives of local communities in the Lake Chad region.

To achieve this, it is essential that the development of eco-tourism in the region is done in a responsible and sustainable manner. This requires careful planning, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, governments, international organizations, and private sector operators.

Investing in security measures to protect local communities and tourists is a critical first step. This includes providing training and equipment to security personnel, as well as establishing effective communication systems to prevent and respond to security incidents.

Providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict is also essential. This includes providing food, shelter, and medical care to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations.

Supporting the development of eco-tourism initiatives that are environmentally sustainable and beneficial to local communities is also crucial. This includes providing training and capacity-building programs for local communities, as well as promoting the region as a tourist destination.

Empowering local communities to take ownership of eco-tourism initiatives is also vital. This includes providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to manage and operate eco-tourism projects, as well as ensuring that they receive a fair share of the benefits generated by these projects.

In addition, promoting initiatives aimed at conserving unique ecosystems around Lake Chad can help maintain ecological integrity while generating income through tourism activities like bird watching or guided nature tours.

Finally, ensuring that eco-tourism initiatives are developed in a way that is consistent with the needs and values of local communities is essential. This includes involving them in the planning and decision-making process, as well as ensuring that their rights and interests are respected and protected.

By taking these steps, stakeholders can help ensure that eco-tourism is developed in a responsible and sustainable manner, and that it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development, reduction of poverty, and improvement of the lives of local communities in the Lake Chad region.

In conclusion, the Lake Chad region faces a critical eco-tourism dilemma. While the potential for economic growth through eco-tourism exists, ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises complicate this opportunity. However, with careful planning, responsible development, and the involvement of local communities, eco-tourism can play a critical role in promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and improving the lives of local communities in the Lake Chad region.

The future of eco-tourism in the Lake Chad region depends on the ability of stakeholders to work together to address the complex challenges facing the region. By doing so, they can help ensure that eco-tourism is developed in a responsible and sustainable manner, and that it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development, reduction of poverty, and improvement of the lives of local communities in the Lake Chad region.