Usman Abubakar is 87 years old and lives in Gombe State in Nigeria.
What has climate change done here?
It started with heavy rains from the west that washed away our farmlands, causing large gullies in different places. Since then, the situation has been getting worse because it comes with quicksand, which continues to expand the gullies. We couldn't do anything about it, so we planted trees, but the gully kept expanding to what we have now. The species of tree spreads its roots to contain the erosion; if not, it would have overtaken our homes. This is what we have continued to do until we get the help we are asking for.
What do you think world leaders have to do now to stop things from getting worse and to help us adapt?
My cry is for them to repair the road because this is the route we take to reach other communities, markets, our farms, and businesses. It also helps us connect with neighboring communities. This is our challenge. The work is not for one person, but for all of us. Everyone must come together; it's a community effort. When we unite and do the work, it will benefit us all as a community.
Life expectancy 2023
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