Implications Of Climate Change And Farmers-Herdsmen Conflict On Human Security In South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria just like other countries in the southern hemisphere has contributed little to the human causes of climate change and global warming but it is now among the worst hit by the adverse effects. Thus, the southward movement of pastoral herdsmen into the humid and sub-humid zones in Nigeria is on the increase due to extreme weather events in the Sahel region orchestrated by climate change. The study therefore sets to investigate the deadly menace arising from the conflict between farmers and herdsmen over stiff competition for pastureland and available fresh water in the South East of Nigeria with focus on the human security implication. The study utilized the documentary method and descriptive research design while the eco-violence theory formed the theoretical framework of analysis. We argue that the incessant violent conflict between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria and the South East in Particular poses grave threat to human security and agricultural production and that the Nigerian government has not done the needful to stem the ugly tide .The study therefore recommends that the   state should establish grazing reserves and corridors, prosecute the perpetrators and invest more in research on combating climate change and adaptability.