Rangeland restoration yields $4-$6 per $1 invested - experts say relevant for Nigeria
Experts behind a new report launched yesterday at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia state that investing in rangeland restoration can generate $4 to $6 for every $1 invested, urging the private sector to view degraded rangelands as investment opportunities rather than charity projects. The report "Rangelands Rising: Investing in Sustainable Management and Restoration" is jointly published by ILRI, GIZ, Economics of Land Degradation Initiative, UNCCD, and IUCN.
According to Mark Schauer (GIZ Senior Programme Officer) and Abdrahmane Wane (ILRI Regional Director for West and Central Africa), the economic returns provide a strong business case for governments, development institutions, and private investors to commit more resources to sustainable rangeland management. They emphasized that successful restoration should be measured by improvements in livelihoods and resilience of communities depending on rangelands, not just hectares restored.
The findings are particularly relevant to Nigeria and West Africa, where large populations depend directly on pastoralism and other rangeland-based livelihoods. Experts stressed that investment must go beyond restoration activities to include access to water, healthcare, climate information, finance, insurance, improved livestock genetics, and secure land and resource rights. They also highlighted the need to protect pastoral mobility as an important climate adaptation strategy.
Public investment is seen as crucial to reduce risks and attract private capital through mechanisms like blended finance and debt-for-nature swaps. The experts noted that recognizing pastoralists as critical actors in maintaining rangeland productivity - not just beneficiaries - is essential for success.
With the report estimating returns of up to $6 for every $1 invested, the message for Nigerian investors and policymakers is clear: restoring rangelands can be both an environmental necessity and a viable economic opportunity. How might this investment opportunity fit into your portfolio or community development plans?