IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MASS MIGRATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: AN IMPLICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Empirical evidence from climatology, geo-spatial studies, environmental criminology,
ecological justice, and environmental management has shown that there has been mass
migration from northern Nigeria, largely due to climate change, which has been
ravaging the region since 1922 but got worse in the last ten years. This study assessed the
impact of climate change on mass migration from northern part of Nigeria and the
consequences for sustainable development in the area. Social disorganization and ecosurvivalism
theories are used as theoretical framework. Data was gathered through
observation of secondary sources like books, journals, internet, media and official
documents. The study revealed that the shrinking of Lake Chad Basin, desertification,
drought, reduction in average annual rainy period and wetland, drying up of rivers,
water sources, flooding and erosion have been largely responsible for mass migration
from the north. This migration causes underdevelopment as talents, skills, indigenous
knowledge & technologies and human resources from the north cannot be found to
guarantee sustainable development in the area. Protection of environment against and
mitigation of effects of climate change are recommended as panacea to this negative
trend.