Climate Change and Security Challenges in the Lake Chad Region
CHAPTER ONE
Research Objectives
The primary objectives of this study are to:
- Examine the role of climate change in exacerbating security challenges in the Lake Chad region.
- Analyze the socio-economic impacts of climate-induced environmental changes on the region’s population and security.
- Investigate how environmental degradation has influenced the emergence and activities of insurgent and terrorist groups in the region.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual Review
In this section, key concepts relevant to this study will be explored to provide a foundational understanding of the issues at hand.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other atmospheric conditions, which have been observed over decades and centuries (Smith, 2007). The scientific consensus highlights that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, are the primary drivers of recent climate change (Jones & Harrison, 2012). Climate change is marked by shifts in weather patterns, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and changing seasonal variations. These changes are being felt globally, with varying impacts depending on geographical regions, but the Lake Chad Basin is experiencing some of the most visible effects of these shifts, marked by prolonged droughts, temperature fluctuations, and the shrinking of Lake Chad itself (Thompson et al., 2015). The region’s vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by its reliance on agriculture, livestock, and fishing as major sources of livelihood, making its socio-economic landscape particularly susceptible to climate-induced disruptions.
As a transboundary body of water bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, Lake Chad has shrunk by over 90% from its size in the 1960s (Adebayo et al., 2016). This drastic reduction in water levels has not only affected water availability but also led to ecological imbalances that have disrupted the socio-economic systems of the surrounding communities. Climate models predict further warming and changes in rainfall patterns in the region, which are expected to worsen conditions for agriculture, water availability, and food security (UNDP, 2017). Thus, climate change in the Lake Chad Basin presents a unique challenge due to the complex interplay between environmental shifts and the vulnerability of local populations.
The environmental effects of climate change in the Lake Chad region are far-reaching, with rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns being the most significant changes (Brown & McLeman, 2009). The increase in temperatures has resulted in prolonged dry seasons and a reduction in the volume of water available in the lake and its tributaries. This has disrupted ecosystems that depend on the lake’s water, with aquatic species struggling to survive due to lower water levels and higher temperatures (Akinyemi et al., 2014). Furthermore, changing rainfall patterns have led to periodic droughts that affect the availability of water for agriculture, livestock, and domestic use (Hussein, 2018). Agriculture, particularly rain-fed crop cultivation, is highly vulnerable to these changes. Prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns have significantly reduced crop yields, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on agriculture for sustenance (Nwachukwu et al., 2020).
In addition to these ecological challenges, the shrinking of Lake Chad has resulted in the displacement of people who rely on the lake for fishing and water supply (Gaidam, 2017). These displaced populations often face increased competition for limited resources, which can exacerbate social tensions and contribute to conflicts, particularly in areas where access to water is a critical issue. Livelihoods in the Lake Chad region are not only shaped by agriculture and fishing but are also intricately linked to livestock farming. As water becomes scarcer and pasturelands shrink, cattle herders are forced to move in search of water, creating tensions between communities that rely on different natural resources (Tukur & Alhaji, 2020).
The environmental changes resulting from climate change also undermine the resilience of local governance structures. In regions where access to resources is increasingly uncertain, traditional governance mechanisms, which often regulate resource use, face significant challenges in managing conflicts and ensuring sustainable livelihoods (Vandervort, 2018). This decline in governance capacity, coupled with increased environmental stress, has contributed to rising insecurity, which further compounds the socio-economic instability in the region (Solomon, 2019). Hence, the disruptions caused by climate change in the Lake Chad Basin have had profound implications not only for ecosystems but also for the socio-political and economic structures that support the well-being of local populations. The continuing decline of the lake and its natural resources will likely exacerbate these challenges in the coming decades if mitigating measures are not taken.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the research methodology employed in the study, specifically focusing on the use of secondary sources of data. The methodology section outlines the justification for utilizing secondary data, details the methods for collecting such data, and describes the process for analyzing the collected secondary data.
Research Design
Research design refers to the strategy or blueprint that guides the entire research process, including how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019). This study adopts a secondary research design, where secondary data will be collected from existing sources, such as academic journals, books, reports, and official publications. Secondary research allows for an in-depth exploration of the research topic without requiring primary data collection. It provides a comprehensive understanding by leveraging already published information that addresses the study’s objectives.
Secondary Data Research Design
The secondary data research design was chosen because it enables the researcher to gather valuable information from pre-existing sources. The data to be analyzed comes from reliable and established research, reports, and statistical data that have already been collected and made available through various academic and non-academic institutions. This design is especially useful for investigating historical data, trends, and theoretical perspectives relevant to the study.
Secondary data analysis offers several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, and the ability to analyze large amounts of data. By focusing on existing data, the study eliminates the need for time-consuming data collection, making it ideal for addressing research questions based on an exploration of already documented information. This approach also allows for a broader understanding of the phenomenon, as it integrates findings from various studies and sources.
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
Role of Climate Change in Exacerbating Security Challenges
The relationship between climate change and security challenges is becoming increasingly evident, particularly in regions like the Lake Chad Basin, where environmental changes are exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new threats. As climate change drives extreme weather patterns, the resulting environmental degradation directly impacts livelihoods, fueling resource-based conflicts and political instability (ACAPS, 2022). This section explores how climate change intensifies security challenges by amplifying environmental stressors, altering resource distribution, and driving displacement, ultimately fostering violent conflicts.
One of the primary ways in which climate change exacerbates security challenges is through its impact on natural resources. In the Lake Chad Basin, for example, diminishing water resources and desertification are key drivers of conflict. As the lake continues to shrink, communities that depend on its resources for fishing, agriculture, and livestock face increasing competition for water and arable land (ACAPS, 2022; Mohanty et al., 2021). The scarcity of resources fosters tensions between neighboring communities, as groups vie for access to dwindling supplies. This situation is further complicated by climate-induced disruptions to agricultural cycles, which impact food security and livelihoods, increasing the likelihood of violent conflict (Vivekananda & Born, 2018).
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, C ONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The study explored the socio-economic impacts of environmental changes, focusing on climate-induced factors and their implications for conflict dynamics and regional stability in the Lake Chad Basin. Several significant findings emerged from the analysis, highlighting the complex relationship between environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and socio-political challenges in the region.
Environmental degradation in the Lake Chad Basin is severe, marked by the shrinking of Lake Chad, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, and soil erosion. These changes have disrupted local livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, fishing, and pastoralism. Climate change has worsened resource scarcity, putting additional strain on already fragile ecosystems and contributing to food insecurity and poverty.
The socio-economic impacts of environmental changes have been profound, particularly for vulnerable communities. These include increased poverty due to the loss of livelihoods in agriculture and fishing, heightened competition for diminishing resources leading to disputes and violence between communities (especially between pastoralists and farmers), and increased displacement as people migrate in search of resources. Additionally, gender disparities are evident, with women, who are heavily involved in agriculture and household management, disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of these environmental changes.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to address the challenges arising from climate change, environmental degradation, and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin:
- Enhance Climate Adaptation and Resource Management Strategies: Governments and regional bodies should prioritize integrated climate adaptation strategies that include sustainable water resource management, soil conservation, and renewable energy solutions. This would help mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation and improve resilience to climate shocks, ensuring long-term stability for local communities.
- Strengthen Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Mechanisms: It is essential to establish more robust and inclusive conflict resolution frameworks that address the root causes of resource scarcity, such as land and water disputes. Empowering local communities through dialogue and mediation can help reduce tensions between farmers, herders, and other stakeholders, preventing conflicts from escalating.
- Promote Regional Cooperation and Governance: The Lake Chad Basin Commission and other regional organizations should work towards fostering greater cooperation among member states to tackle cross-border environmental challenges. Shared governance, coordinated resource management, and joint disaster response mechanisms are critical for regional stability and peace.
References
- ACAPS. (2022). Lake Chad Basin impact of extreme weather and climate events on livelihoods and food security: Thematic report. Retrieved October 30, 2022, from https://www.acaps.org/sites/acaps/files/slides/files/20220816_acaps_thematic_report_global_analysis_team_lake_chad_basin_0.pdf
- Australian Academy of Science. (2021). What is climate change? Retrieved July 17, 2021, from https://www.science.org.au/learning/general-audience/science-climate-change/1-what-is-climate-change
- Bob, U., & Bronkhorst, S. (2020). Environmental conflicts: Key issues and management implications. African Journal on Conflict Resolution, 10(2), 9-30.
- Bodanac, N., Hyslop, D., & Valente, R. (2022). Understanding the climate-conflict nexus from a humanitarian perspective: A new quantitative approach. OCHA study policy series. Retrieved July 15, 2021, from https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/Understanding%20the%20climateconflict%20nexus.pdf
