Climate Change, Conflict, And Poverty: Unraveling The Nexus In Northern Nigeria

 

As the UN Climate Summit begins in United Arab Emirates from 30 November to 12 December 2023, to address the challenges faced by humanity as a result of the impact of climate change, it is a time to examine some of the problems created by climate change, especially in a developing country like Nigeria where it is at the root of several conflicts. In Nigeria many people are passing through hell as a result of conflicts created by climate change.

Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a multifaceted crisis that intertwines insurgency, banditry, and clashes between farmers and herders. The detrimental impact of climate change in the region is increasingly recognized as a significant contributing factor to this complex web of challenges. The consequences are profound, with over 30,000 lives lost, two million internally displaced persons, communities decimated, and a population thrust into extreme poverty.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between climate change, environmental degradation, and the ensuing humanitarian crises in Northern Nigeria.

Climate Change And Lake Chad

 One of the central issues exacerbating the crisis is the drastic reduction in the size of Lake Chad, once a vital water resource sustaining livelihoods across several countries. Over the years, the lake has dramatically shrunk due to a combination of human activities and natural climatic variables. Increased temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and excessive water extraction for agriculture have all played roles in diminishing this once-massive freshwater body. The loss of a significant water source has dire consequences for communities that heavily depend on it for domestic use and agriculture. The resulting scarcity exacerbates tensions over resource access, intensifying conflicts between herders and farmers who vie for the dwindling water resources. This competition has contributed to the escalation of violence and displacement in the region.

Vegetation Cover And Agricultural Impact

Another critical aspect is the loss of vegetation cover, a consequence of climate change and unsustainable human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing. Diminished vegetation exacerbates soil erosion, reducing the fertility of agricultural lands and hindering the region's ability to sustain crop cultivation. Communities that relied on agriculture for sustenance are now grappling with reduced yields and increased vulnerability to food insecurity. As fertile lands turn arid, competition for the remaining cultivable areas intensifies, fueling conflicts and displacements.

Lack Of Water Access

The scarcity of water for domestic use compounds the humanitarian crisis in the region. Climate change-induced disruptions to traditional water sources, combined with population growth, have strained the availability of clean water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. This scarcity not only poses health risks but also further exacerbates social tensions as communities compete for access to this precious resource.

 

Remedial Actions

 Addressing the complex challenges facing Northern Nigeria requires a holistic approach that combines short-term interventions with long-term sustainability measures. There is the need for investment in infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, including water supply systems and irrigation facilities. Also, very necessary is to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on environmentally harmful practices, such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.

Community-led adaptation program need to be embraced and supported by local and international non-governmental organizations. Local communities should be involved in the development and implementation of adaptation strategies to ensure that interventions are contextually appropriate and sustainable.

The importance of international collaborations cannot be overemphasized. Climate change knows no borders. It is essential to encourage collaboration with neighboring countries and to address transboundary environmental challenges and promote regional stability.

Conflict resolution initiatives should also be applied to restore peace and address high poverty level that has pushed the youths into religious extremism and terrorism. The area with the support of the central government and international nongovernmental organizations should implement comprehensive conflict resolution and peace-building programs to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue between conflicting groups.

The traditional agricultural practices which had contributed to land degradation and other environmental hazards should be reviewed and the farmers encouraged to learn how to adapt sustainable agricultural practice. Thus, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and the diversification of livelihoods to reduce dependence on dwindling resources would help to minimize losses through the impact of climate change.

The governments in Northern Nigeria and the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as the international community should facilitate programs that are dedicated towards raising awareness about climate change, its impacts, and adaptive measures to empower communities to proactively respond to environmental challenges.

U.N. Climate Conference in UAE should ensure the creation of Climate Disaster Fund that could help fund some climate remediation projects in Northern Nigeria. Countries, especially, rich ones, should formally embrace the framework of a new U.N. fund designed to assist impoverished nations grappling with climate-induced disasters such as severe flooding and prolonged drought. Establishing the fund will open the door for affluent countries to commit financial support desperately needed in Northern Nigeria and other poor countries in dire strait due to climate change.

The intertwined crises of insurgency, banditry, and poverty in Northern Nigeria underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing the root causes. By recognizing the role of climate change in amplifying these challenges, stakeholders can develop and implement strategies that not only alleviate immediate suffering but also foster resilience and sustainable development in the face of a changing climate. The path to a more stable and prosperous northern Nigeria and the world requires collective action against climate change. The world leaders at the climate summit must understand the urgency of the situation and address the climate crisis by agreeing on ways to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.