EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT: ADVANCING LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluated the extent to which local communities and key stakeholders understood, supported, and were prepared to implement Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices that contribute to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). A mixed-methods approach adopted, incorporating household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions in selected communities across Katsina State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that while awareness of land degradation had increased among community members, significant gaps remained in technical knowledge, access to resources, and institutional coordination. Stakeholder engagement remained fragmented, and although traditional knowledge played an important role, it was rarely integrated into formal SLM strategies. The findings highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-led strategies in empowering local stakeholders, enhancing institutional capacity, and addressing the complex socio-ecological conditions of the region. By capturing local perspectives and evaluating institutional dynamics, the research offers practical guidance for policymakers and development practitioners for shaping more effective and sustainable pathways toward land degradation neutrality in the semi-arid part of Katsina State and other similar dry-land contexts.