Climate Change Implications on Food Security for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
摘要
Climate change represents a major threat to food security, especially in regions that rely heavily on climate-sensitive agriculture, such as Nigeria. Key challenges affecting food security in Nigeria include frequent flooding, desertification of croplands and grazing areas, increased prevalence of foodborne diseases, drought, water scarcity, crop losses, landslides, and water pollution. Understanding and implementing effective mitigation strategies is therefore crucial for ensuring sustainable food systems and advancing long-term development objectives. This paper seeks to identify and synthesize existing research on strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on food security in Nigeria, with an emphasis on approaches that promote sustainable development. The study employs a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of academic databases and research registries initially yielded 468 records. After removing duplicates and ineligible studies, 168 records were screened by title and abstract, and 140 full-text articles were retrieved for evaluation. Studies were excluded if they did not focus on Nigeria, lacked emphasis on climate change mitigation, or were not published in English. Ultimately, 66 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically to extract evidence on mitigation strategies and their implications for food security and sustainable development. The review identified a range of mitigation approaches, including climate-smart agricultural practices, integration of renewable energy in farming, soil and water conservation techniques, and policy measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While many initiatives demonstrated positive effects on agricultural productivity and resilience, common challenges included limited funding, weak policy enforcement, and low levels of community engagement. Addressing the impacts of climate change on food security in Nigeria requires an integrated strategy that combines technological innovation, policy reform, and community-based adaptation. Strengthening institutional frameworks, improving access to climate finance, and promoting knowledge exchange are essential for building resilient food systems aligned with Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.