By OKAIYETO Samuel Ariyo
As an International PhD student, I had a four-day field trip to the Shiyang River Basin and its surrounding areas from 18th to 23rd July, 2024. The trip was organized by the China-Africa Joint Center for Arid Region Agriculture Exchange Demonstration and Training (Shiyang River). This initiative was in response to President Xi Jinping’s call for high-level China-Africa community engagement. The trip aimed to provide local and international students from China Agricultural University (CAU) exposure to modern innovative water management practices, agricultural advancements, and cultural heritage in the desert region. The activities included visiting an agricultural research experimental station, water and soil conservation projects, and agricultural and cultural sites, as well as examining government projects focused on combating desertification and optimizing water use at Wuwei Oasis, Gansu Province. This article provides the observations and findings made for the benefits of countries in sub-Saharan Africa and others with similar desertification challenges.
Day 1: Visit to National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station and Huanghuatan Water Supply Project
On July 19, 2024, we visited the National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station in Wuwei, Gansu Province. Professor Niu affirmed that the station was located at Wuwei Oasis to optimize the limited available water for agricultural purposes in the region, improve the livelihood of local farmers, and prevent the Tengger Desert and Badain Jaran Desert from converging. The station focuses on researching and demonstrating water-saving irrigation technologies, monitoring soil moisture, and promoting adaptive agricultural practices. Key projects include advanced irrigation systems, optimal fertilizer combinations in water stress conditions, soil and root monitoring, and drone-based water stress monitoring for precise interventions to enhance agricultural output. For example, irrigation systems are designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and maintain crop productivity under changing climatic conditions. Additionally, organic and inorganic fertilizers are used to promote crop growth and manage water consumption efficiently.

During our visit to the experimental station, we also went to Gulang county where we witnessed the Huanghuatan Water Supply Project. This impressive initiative features a 3.7 million cubic meter water reservoir situated in Gangcheng town. It effectively redirects water from the Yellow River to local reservoirs, supports afforestation efforts, and helps combat desertification. The project plays a pivotal role in ensuring dependable water supplies for agricultural and household use, underscoring the significance of government involvement and infrastructure development in addressing water scarcity. Implementing similar water supply projects, such as the Huanghuatan Water Supply Project, in the extreme north of Nigeria, where average annual rainfall can be as low as 200 mm, can yield numerous benefits, including addressing critical issues like water scarcity, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fighting desertification.
Afterward, we visited the Pilot Project of Comprehensive Management and Utilization of Saline-Alkali Cultivated Land in Gulang County. According to the field leader, the field is divided into two parts. One part is the control experiment without treatment, while the other part contains experimental crops with different treatments, such as water and fertilizer integration plus organic fertilizer and soil remediation agents. As shown in the figure, there is a noticeable difference between the treated and untreated fields.

Day 2: Visit to Minqin County
On the second day, we visited Minqin County, where we explored the Hongyashan Reservoir, the Minqin Desertification Prevention and Control Memorial Hall, and the Laohukou Desertification Prevention and Control Demonstration Zone. The Hongyashan Reservoir, located in the lower reaches of the Shiyang River, is the largest man-made desert reservoir in Asia and is situated 30 km north of Minqin County. Construction on the reservoir began in 1958 and it has undergone three phases of expansion. Currently, the reservoir has a capacity of approximately 148 million cubic meters of water. This reservoir is vital for providing water for agriculture and restoring Qingtu Lake. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological security of the oasis, promoting high-quality development of the county, and improving the living standards of the locals.

The Minqin Desertification Prevention and Control Memorial Hall showcases the community’s dedicated efforts to combat desertification. The hall features various innovative initiatives aimed at preserving the local environment and promoting sustainable practices. One of the highlighted techniques involved the strategic use of square-shaped clay embankments and plant remains to effectively prevent soil erosion. A caption that caught my attention reads “Mobilization of the whole county, the whole people went to war of desertification, and carried forward diligence and perseverance, unafraid of hardship with unity of purpose.” These methods not only serve to protect the land but also symbolize the community’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

We then headed to the Laohukou Desertification Prevention and Control Demonstration Zone. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the zone due to excessive loose soil on the road. Despite the travel difficulties, our team learned about the extensive afforestation efforts and the use of modern water-conserving technologies, which have significantly improved the ecological conditions in Minqin County. Over 3.5 million drought-tolerant plants have been established, and plant coverage in desert areas has reached up to 12%.

Day 3: Visit to Modern Agricultural Industrial Areas and Cultural Sites
On the third day, we visited Fafang town’s Modern Agricultural Industrial Area, which is well-known for its expansive greenhouses where crops like watermelon, tomatoes, and peppers are grown. In Fafang town, farmers share knowledge and directly trade with companies to improve market access. This agricultural model includes approximately 9,000 greenhouses, significantly boosting productivity and making a substantial economic impact. According to one of the farmers we spoke with, the cost of setting up a standard greenhouse is 120 Yuan per square meter, with a government subsidy of 20 Yuan per square meter. Typically, farmers earn a net income of over 36 million Yuan annually from greenhouse cultivation. Watermelons from these farms are packaged and exported to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as well as to neighboring countries such as

Kazakhstan. This boosts the farmers’ income and improves their livelihood.

To conclude our tour in Wuwei city, we visited the Wuwei Municipal Museum and the Leitai Museum for Chinese culture in Han dynasty. These visits left a profound impact on me, as I delved into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese culture. One artifact that particularly captured my attention was the Bronze Galloping Horse, which is now a symbol of tourism. The horse is uniquely positioned, balancing on a single back foot, a feat only a well-trained horse in motion could achieve. This indicates that such horses were trusted with the care of older citizens and infants, highlighting the deep bond and reliance between humans and animals in ancient times. I was fascinated by the way ancient Chinese people made their possessions with creation and imagination, both daily use and with high artistic value.

These experiences filled me with awe and admiration for the ingenuity and spirituality of ancient Chinese civilization. It was a journey through time, one that I will cherish and reflect upon for years to come

Day 4: International Symposium on Agricultural Water Saving and Efficient Utilization of Water Resources
On the fourth day, we attended the International Symposium on Agricultural Water Saving and Efficient Utilization of Water Resources and the 6th Shiyang River Forum. The event brought together experts to discuss soil and water conservation, and advanced techniques for soil conservation to prevent soil erosion, enhance soil fertility, and improve water retention in agricultural fields. They also discussed smart agriculture technologies, including the use of IoT devices, precision irrigation systems, and data analytics to optimize water usage in farming. These technologies aim to increase crop yields, reduce water waste, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion
The field trip provided comprehensive insights into modern innovative agricultural practices, effective water management strategies, and the significant cultural heritage of the region. The visits and symposium emphasized the importance of technology and community efforts in addressing environmental challenges like water scarcity and desertification. The knowledge gained from this trip will contribute to ongoing efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and efficient water use in various regions of the world with similar challenges. This trip highlighted the successful implementation of green initiatives in Gansu Province, transforming the area into a model for water-conserving agriculture and sustainable development.

By Charles Akpeji, Jalingo 

The pursuit of achieving universal health coverage in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is no doubt facing significant challenges in Taraba state.

Our state correspondent observed a concerning trend of neglect towards Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) scattered across communities, leading to a surge in the popularity of herbal remedies as patients seek alternatives to address their healthcare needs.

Investigations conducted in selected PHCs across three, out of the sixteen local government councils in the state have unveiled distressing conditions characterized by dilapidated structures, scarce resources, staffing shortages, and essential drug supply issues. 

This neglect has forced patients to turn to herbal remedies, exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare system.

Communities such as Pamanga, Borno-Krukru, Kankani, Garin-Jatau, Lagos Buban, Wasaji, Fada, among others, have witnessed a growing reliance on herbal remedies due to dissatisfaction with PHCs. 

Residents lament the absence of qualified medical personnel in PHCs, relying primarily on Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and practical students. 

The lack of essential medical equipment and facilities has compromised the quality of healthcare services, pushing patients towards herbal alternatives.

Sharing their experiences, residents emphasize instances where herbal practitioners have saved lives in the absence of adequate healthcare facilities. 
A resident of Garin-Jatau community, Hadizat Bello, highlighted how herbal practitioners intervened effectively, citing a recent snake bite incident in her community.

“When one of our community members was recently bitten by a poisonous snake, facilities to rescue the patient were not available in our PHC, but thank God for our traditional healer who used his wealth of experience to rescue him.” Stated Hadizat. 

Citing several instances where the Garin-Jatau PHC had allegedly failed the community, Hadizat who went ahead 

lamenting the deplorable state of the PHC, in her community, confessed that herbal homes have taken over the responsibilities of health workers in the community, stating that it is essential to prevent a further decline in community confidence in government hospitals.

Aligning with Hadizat, a primary school teacher, Hamza Usmanu, expressed dissatisfaction with the PHC’s alleged inadequacies and praised the reliability of herbal medicine practitioners in the community.stating that “the herbal medicine practitioners in this our community, are more reliable than our so called health workers”.

Given an instance where one of his pupils fainted in the classroom, he expressed sadness that he couldn’t be attended to by the health workers due to lack of medical equipment and experts in the PHC.

“Had it not been for the swift intervention of the herbal medicine man, I wondered what could have been the fate of the child because when we rushed him to our PHC, the workers were all confused and not knowing what to do simply because they lacked the necessary medical materials.”

The teacher and other residents from the community in question lament the absence of qualified medical personnel in PHCs, relying primarily on Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and practical students

According to him “patients are now fast recovering from ailments, following the swift interventions of our traditional healers who have been using their wealth of experience to assist our people.”

Also speaking,  Angelina Emeka, who took her time to reel out the challenges bedeviling the PHC facility in Borno-Krukru, said the activities of traditional healers have brought treatment closed to the people of the community.

Narrating how a patient with a swollen body was made whole by the traditional medicine man in the community, the situation, she believed will have been worsened if left in the hands of health workers managing the facility.

Allegeding that the lukewarm attitudes of the government contribute to the interest in herbal homes, as traditional healers find increased daily patronage, impacting the livelihoods of medical personnel, the need for the incumbent administration in the state, to make health one of its major priorities, she believed has become necessary.

Health workers, speaking from all the facilities visited, unanimously revealed the challenges they are facing, the situation which they accept, often compelled them to refer patients to herbal homes due to lack of equipment and the distance to referral hospitals.  

Blaming past administrations for PHC infrastructural inadequacies in the state, they beckoned at the incumbent administration, under the leadership of  governor Agbu Kefas, to prioritize the health sector.
They criticized the legacy of the former governor, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, for contributing to the power imbalance in rural healthcare across the state.
Mallam Kundri, traditional herbal practitioner who admitted that Health workers make referral to herbal homes.

Attesting to the fact that communities are now taking advantage of the herbal medicines,  some of the herbal practitioners who spoke with our reporter, admitted that their homes are now beehives of activities.
Mallam Kundiri Abba, who claimed that his herbal home played host to no fewer than fifty patients weekly, said the alleged inability to the government hospital in the community to meet up with their responsibilities, necessitated the surge.

“Majority of our people have more trust and confidence in us then in the government hospitals not because our services are affordable, but because it is more efficient and reliable.”

Reeling out the list of those he had saved from untimely deaths due to various ailments,, the reverse, as made known by him, would have been the case “if the patients have been left in the hands of those working in this so called health facility. ”

Abba, who spoke in Hausa via an interpreter, believed that traditional healers in the  state and the country at large, will perform better if given the much desired attention by the relevant authorities. 

Throwing his weight to that of his colleague, Mallam Na’Allah Maikudi, who said he had been in the profession for over fifteen years, also confirmed that health workers in Kankani facilities “often referred cases that are above them to some of us”.

Adding that “and I must confess to you that Allah (God) has been seeing us through because the patients always return back to their homes healthy.”
Maikudi, who is also called for collaboration with the government, said 
“personally,  our health workers here and myself have been working in collaboration, and our collaboration has been yielding positive results.”

Like his counterparts, he argued that the situation and collaboration will be effective if the present administration deemed it necessary to recognize the roles of traditional medicine practitioners in the state and the country as a whole. 
Community members and healthcare workers alike who called on the government to address the infrastructural inadequacies of PHCs and prioritize the health sector, were also of view that collaboration between traditional healers and healthcare workers should be seen as a practical solution to bridge the gap in healthcare services in Taraba.
They also pleaded for the recognition and support of traditional medicine practitioners to improve overall healthcare delivery in the state.

As patients increasingly turn to herbal remedies amidst the neglect of PHCs, the in the state, top government officials believed that there is hope that the present administration will prioritize the health sector’s shortcomings and regain community trust in government healthcare. 

Rectifying the infrastructural deficiencies and fostering collaboration between traditional healers and healthcare professionals, a former executive secretary of one of the local government council who craved anonymity, believed, are crucial steps towards achieving universal health coverage in Taraba state.

Hope, according to the former executive secretary, lies in the present administration’s commitment to rectify the health sector’s shortcomings and regain community trust in government healthcare
Admitting that all are indeed not well with PHCs in the state, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA), Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, said “most of the state of our PHCs are dilapidated and in sorry states.”
Apportioning blames to the former administration, the incumbent administration, according to him has began the process of reviving the health sector in the state. 
This story was produced with the support of the Frontline Investigative Program and supported by the Africa Data Hub and Orodata Science.