ENHANCING RESILIENCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN THE CHAD BASIN OF NORTH EAST-NIGERIA: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

As the 21st century began, it became clear that environmental changes were occurring with unprecedented speed and severity. These changes, which differ by time and location, have generally led to deterioration in environmental quality, affecting aspects like forestry and soil health. It is against this background that this study examines climate change adaptation strategies to environmental change in Chad Basin of North East, Nigeria. The data for this study were obtained from a socio-economic survey carried out between 2022 and 2023. The survey targeted two major project areas within the Lake Chad basin: the Baga Polder Project (BPP) located in the western part and the Southern Chad Irrigation Project (SCIP) situated near New Marte in the southern part of the basin. A notable portion, around 70%, utilize both rain and lake water. Only a small percentage, under 2%, use wells for their water supply. The reliance of about 25% of respondents on rainfall alone is significant, as a total failure of rainfall would leave a quarter of the population unable to farm effectively. Since dams also depend on rainfall, the number of individuals affected by insufficient rainfall is likely even greater. It is apparent that the residents have developed various survival strategies to adapt to the arid conditions of the study area. However, these strategies do not address the core issue of declining water supply. The study recommends that effective adaptation in this environment likely surpasses the capabilities of individuals, underscoring the importance of continued government efforts in environmental restoration and the development of underground water sources through boreholes for the region's population centres.