This chapter explores the historical context of colonial exploitation in the Lake Chad Basin and its enduring impacts on the region’s socio-economic and environmental landscapes. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how colonial powers, particularly Britain and France, transformed local agricultural practices, economies, and ecosystems for resource extraction. This chapter discusses the shift to monoculture cash crops, the exploitation of human resources, and the long-term consequences of these practices, including deforestation, soil degradation, and social fragmentation. It also examines the transition from colonial to modern environmental challenges, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the region in addressing climate change and socio-economic vulnerabilities. By understanding this historical context, this chapter aims to inform sustainable and equitable solutions for the future.