In the heart of Nigeria’s Yobe State lies the Tulo-Tulo dunes, which rise like golden waves frozen in time, a stark reminder of nature’s paradoxical beauty. These dunes, located in the Yusufari Local Government Area, present a visual spectacle that probes the harsh reality of their existence. They are a testament to the transformative power of climate change—a force that has both given and taken away.

For the local farmers, the encroaching sands are a curse. The dunes, driven by winds and exacerbated by the effects of climate change, have swallowed arable lands, rendering them infertile and inhospitable for agriculture.

The once fertile grounds that supported crops and sustained livelihoods are now barren expanses, leaving the farmers to grapple with the loss of both their sustenance and heritage.

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More eyes have started to notice the change; therefore, reports from international media, like Al Jazeera highlight the plight of communities on the fringes of the Sahara desert. Over there, the desertification process continues to affect lives and livelihoods.

Yet, for the fearless traveler, these dunes offer a blissful escape. The undulating landscape, with its reddish hue at sunset, provides a picturesque backdrop akin to the famed Saharan vistas. The Tulo-Tulo dunes have become an emerging tourist destination, offering experiences that rival the desert safaris of more renowned locales.

Visitors can indulge in dune bashing, camel riding, and even overnight camping under the starlit African sky, all while being enveloped in the serene silence of the desert.

The beauty of these dunes is not just in their form but also in their ecological significance. The dunes of Tulo-Tulo are part of a larger ecosystem that includes oases—verdant patches that defy the arid surroundings. These oases serve as natural reservoirs, supporting a variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to the extreme conditions. The presence of water in such a parched landscape is a marvel in itself, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding sands.

Climate change has played a pivotal role in shaping these dunes. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have weakened the vegetation that once anchored the soil, allowing the winds to sculpt the land into the dunes we see today.

This phenomenon is not unique to Yobe; it is a global issue that has seen similar effects in coastal regions and other arid zones. The mobility of dunes, as reported by the United States Geological Survey, poses threats to infrastructure and human health, highlighting the need for sustainable environmental practices.

More than a visual treat

A visit to the Tulo-Tulo dunes is more than just a visual treat; it is an educational journey. Tourists can learn about the local culture, the impact of climate change on the environment, and the resilience of the communities that call this place home. The Yusufari Local Government has recognised the potential of these dunes as a tourist attraction and is calling for investment to develop the area sustainably.

For those planning a getaway to the Tulo-Tulo dunes, the experience is multifaceted. The journey to the dunes is an adventure in itself, traversing rugged terrains that challenge even the most robust four-wheel drives.

Accommodations may be sparse, but the hospitality of the locals is abundant. Visitors can stay in nearby towns like Damaturu or Potiskum, using them as bases to explore the dunes and the surrounding oasis.

The Tulo-Tulo dunes are a microcosm of the broader narrative of climate change. They embody the duality of natural phenomena—destructive for some, yet wondrous for others.

As a tourist destination, they offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and ecological education.

For the farmers, the hope lies in finding sustainable solutions to combat the desertification process and reclaim their lands.

Wondering how to access the dunes?

Yobe State is bordered by four states: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Jigawa. Depending on where you are coming from, you might want to fly to any of the states with an airport, and then hire a four-wheel drive that would take you to the Tulo-Tulo would continue on the main roads towards Yobe State, following signs.

In addition, you would need local guidance to reach the Yusufari Local Government area. It is advisable to travel with a local guide familiar with the terrain. The four-wheel drive would handle the potentially challenging road conditions better than a sedan.

The Tulo-Tulo dunes serve as a reminder of nature’s dual role as both a challenge and an asset. They highlight the need for sustainable environmental practices and the potential for natural features to provide opportunities, even in the face of adversity. The dunes of Tulo-Tulo are a landscape of contrasts, where the struggle against desertification coexists with the beauty and utility of a desert oasis.

Whether as a symbol of climate change’s adverse effects or as a beacon of natural splendour, the Tulo-Tulo dunes stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Earth and its inhabitants.

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This article was first published in the 2024 H2 edition of Local Content Digest, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board’s stakeholder magazine.

Meiza Nigeria