Author(s) :

Ojochenemi Nadia Soso-Muhammed.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Climate change is recognized as a profound security threat, weakening the capacity of states to address challenges like severe weather patterns, droughts, land degradation, and flooding, particularly in developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. This phenomenon significantly impacts human security, which encompasses access to vital elements such as water, food, energy, health, and livelihoods, alongside physical safety. This paper therefore interrogates the nexus between climate change, conflict and human security. It is desk research that dwells on secondary data and the use of thematic analysis. This paper in anchored on the Eco-violence theory by Homer-Dixon which claim that climate change exacerbates existing environmental scarcities of fundamental resources like fresh water, cropland, forests, and fish. These scarcities, compounded by factors such as population growth and unequal access, can reduce economic productivity, induce migration, and trigger conflict and insecurity. The findings of this paper shows that climate change contributes to food insecurity through decreased crop yields, water scarcity from altered precipitation, and climate-induced migration leading to displacement and clashes, particularly between nomadic pastoralists and sedentary farmers over dwindling resources. The paper further argues that while the direct causal link between climate change and violent conflict is debated, there is strong consensus that it acts as a "threat multiplier". It intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, including poverty, weak governance, and societal cleavages, rather than being the sole cause of conflict. Africa is especially vulnerable due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited adaptive capacities. Addressing these interwoven challenges requires integrated, multi-sectoral policies focused on building resilience and strengthening governance Key Words: Climate Change, Conflict, Security, Human Security, Resources, Weather

No. of Downloads :

0