By Usman Muhammad Salihu,
The Harmattan season, marked by cold temperatures, dry air, and dusty winds, is a distinctive weather phenomenon in Nigeria. It brings relief from the relentless heat of the dry season but comes with challenges that affect health, agriculture, transportation, and the economy. This fascinating yet demanding season requires careful management to minimise its effects on individuals and communities.
Health Woes in Harmattan
Harmattan has a significant impact on public health. The dusty winds carry fine particles that irritate the respiratory system, causing a surge in asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory ailments. Those with pre-existing conditions often experience aggravated symptoms, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable.
Cold temperatures exacerbate the situation, aggravating conditions such as arthritis and causing widespread skin dryness, flaking, and cracking. Chapped lips and eye irritation are common, while the prevalence of colds, flu, and other viral infections increases as the body struggles to adjust to sudden temperature drops.
To address these health challenges, individuals are advised to:
Dress warmly, especially during the mornings and evenings.
Wear protective masks to minimise exposure to dust-laden air.
Moisturise regularly and stay hydrated to maintain skin health.
Health facilities should prepare adequately, stock essential medications, and run public education campaigns to help people stay safe.
Transportation in Crisis
Harmattan haze, thick with dust, reduces visibility and disrupts transportation. It increases the risk of road accidents and causes delays or cancellations of air travel. These disruptions have far-reaching economic implications, hindering logistics, delaying goods, and frustrating travellers and businesses.
Agriculture and Environmental Risks
For farmers, Harmattan is both a blessing and a curse. While the dry conditions benefit certain crops, they also heighten the risk of bushfires, which can devastate farmlands and forests and worsen food security concerns.
To mitigate these risks:
Farmers should adopt sustainable practices, such as cultivating cold-resistant crops and implementing irrigation systems.
Communities must engage in bushfire prevention by practising responsible land clearing and safely disposing of flammable materials.
Economic Pressures
The economic burden of Harmattan is heaviest on low-income households. The increased demand for warm clothing, blankets, and heating appliances often leads to price hikes. Due to the harsh weather, outdoor workers, such as farmers and street vendors, experience reduced productivity, which impacts their earnings.
To alleviate these challenges, governments and non-governmental organisations can:
Provide subsidised or free warm clothing and healthcare services.
Launch public awareness campaigns to educate people about coping strategies.
Navigating Harmattan’s Challenges
Harmattan is a paradoxical season of relief and struggle—a vivid reminder of nature’s duality. Its challenges across health, transportation, agriculture, and the economy demand resilience and adaptability. With proactive planning, community support, and individual vigilance, Nigerians can turn this season into an opportunity to strengthen preparedness for future seasonal changes.
Usman Muhammad Salihu is a fellow of PRNigeria. He sent this article via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.