Assessing the Effects of Climate Variability and Change on Human Mobility and Conflicts in the District of Loga, Niger Republic

Abstract

Climate change and migration are among the most pressing issues facing the international community and its impact could be different from one place to another. To assess the effects of climate change and land degradation on migration and conflicts, it is reasonable to consider a region that is subject both, to changing environmental conditions and human migration. This study aimed at examining the relationship between climate-induced migration and conflicts in Southwestern Niger. This study assessed the perception of population on climate-induced migrations and conflicts; analyzed gradual environmental changes on migration channel and conflicts; and identified coping strategies use to lessen the impact of environmental changes on migration and conflicts. The study used primary data (Focus group discussions, individual and expert interview to capture respectively information) and secondary data (temperature and rainfall from 1980 to 2016 and satellite images). They were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS, Excel, ArcGIS and R. In addition, problem tree techniques and systematic analysis was used. The result reveals that climatic and environmental changes indeed have effects on human mobility however the correlation is not significant which is showing the interlinkages or the interaction between migration’s drivers. The perception of the communities on climate-induced migration is positive. Based on the findings most of them know that climate has effects on migration, but the findings show that conflicts in this particular zone are not directly related to Climatic conditions but pastureland reduction may lead to eventual social tension in the future. Furthermore, adaptation and coping strategies is a greater challenge in the study area. Based on the main activity(agriculture) in the area, the study suggests a diversification of activities with the promotion of activities other than agriculture. Facilitate to women access to natural resources, knowledge and credit. The outcome of this study is to help decisions makers on the real issue which should be tackle in this specific area in order to protect Homan security and promote sustainable development.