This region has poor soil and therefore is less populated than other parts of the country. It also has a high rate of disease. The north of Nigeria is hot and dry and is a grassland ecology. In the far north, there isn't very much rain. Few crops will grow.
Nomads use the grasslands for their herds.
Environmental changes are having a negative influence on this region. There is rapid population growth. There are poor landuse practices and there have been some climate changes. In the north this has caused soil quality to decline and has increased desert conditions. In the south there has been extensive deforestation.