Assessment Of Climate Change And Its Impacts On Food Security In North East Nigeria

• Mandela Tumba

  Department of Political Science, Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State-Nigeria

  Author

• Rogers Roland Wazakari

  Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, Kano state-Nigeria

  Author

Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security globally, with rural communities in North-East Nigeria among the most vulnerable. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, flooding, and rising temperatures have increasingly disrupted farming activities, reduced crop yields, and limited household access to food, exacerbating food insecurity in the region. Despite efforts to address these challenges, there remains limited empirical evidence on how climate-induced environmental changes affect agricultural production and food availability in North-East Nigeria. This study aimed to (i) examine the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity and food availability, and (ii) assess the relationship between climate-induced environmental changes and the level of food insecurity among rural communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. The study adopted the Environmental Security Theory to explain how environmental stressors interact with socio-economic factors to threaten human security. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 395 respondents using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that climate variability significantly reduces crop yields, disrupts planting and harvesting seasons, increases pest infestations, and limits household food access. Droughts, flooding, and soil degradation were strongly associated with food insecurity, while climate induced disruptions also drove higher food prices and reduced livestock productivity. The study recommends the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, strengthening early warning systems, promoting livelihood diversification, and implementing sustainable resource management policies to enhance resilience and ensure food security in the region.

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