Climate Change and Its Implication for Nigeria-Chad Relations, 2010-2020

Abstract

The impact of climate change on the environment, aquatic population, and the general economic pattern of an agrarian society cannot be overemphasized. The plundering trends of dryness and global warming have adversely affected water resource, Lakes, bonds, tributaries and this is evidenced with the rapid shrinkage of Lake Chad water body which sustains over 30 million people. The problem of climate change is that climate change is not purely a scientific problem but, human actions are central to this warming. This study therefore appraised the impact of climate change on fish production in the region by investigating the nexus between decreasing fishery species, and production out-put (farming) as well as its impact on Nigeria-Chad relations. Theoretically, the study anchored on Frustration Aggression theory which was introduced by a group of Yale University Psychologists. Survey research design was adopted in the study. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained with the use of a research questionnaire. The findings revealed that climate change and consequent drying of Lake Chad affected the struggle for fishing resources between Nigeria and Chad. It has also affected the struggle for farming activities between Nigeria and Chad. The study however recommends among others that, there should be engagement and sustained sensitization/ awareness campaign on the impact of climate change on fisheries and the contribution of fisheries to household livelihoods, poverty reduction and national/regional economies. Also, agricultural education and extension curricula should incorporate the knowledge and experiences of rural people, indigenous peoples and co-learning (such that extension agents also learn from others)