This article assesses the climate-security nexus in the Lake Chad region amid crises of conflict and humanitarian needs. It highlights how climate change intensifies existing vulnerabilities and disrupts livelihoods, while also feeding into resource conflicts and recruitment by armed groups. The findings are based on in-depth research conducted with affected communities, emphasizing the necessity of addressing climate risks in stabilization initiatives.
The Lake Chad region is mired in a humanitarian crisis marked by severe risks from conflict and instability. Climate change exacerbates existing political, environmental, and economic challenges, further complicating security issues. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns hinder locals’ ability to maintain their livelihoods, while ongoing conflicts exacerbate their vulnerability to climate risks, disrupting traditional coping strategies.
This article explores the intricate relationship between climate change and security risks in the Lake Chad region, which encompasses Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. An extensive participatory conflict analysis was conducted through 229 interviews facilitated by a locally-led team to understand how climate change engages with local risks and to identify effective response strategies. The findings illuminate four critical climate-fragility risks that threaten stability in the region.
In conclusion, the success of stabilization efforts in the Lake Chad region relies on recognizing and addressing the intersecting climate risks that contribute to conflict and insecurity. The analysis highlights the need for integrated responses that address both climate challenges and the underlying socio-political dynamics to foster lasting peace and stability.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
