Migration as an Adaptation Strategy to Climate Change and Conflict Stresses: Exemplifying North-Western Nigeria

The need for more studies to focus on the impacts of climate change and variability, conflicts, displacement, and migration, especially preparedness, adaptation, and recovery strategies in fragile and vulnerable communities that have their value chains and production process affected, is therefore gaining ground. This research identified adaptation and recovery strategies put in place that will advise policies for economic, social, and environmental prosperity through the identification and categorization of migrants and identification of the pull factors in resettled areas with the corresponding opportunities and threats. Three states from North-western Nigeria were selected based on their experience of conflicts, climate change events, and the hosting of displaced persons. Both Qualitative and quantitative data were sourced from researcher-constructed records and official statistics. Key Informant Interviews were conducted with displaced persons and stakeholders identified in host communities. Scientific data on the weather and climate of the areas under study were also used to establish the validity of the data sourced. Descriptive statistics were used for analyses, and narratives were content analyzed, and the result was presented in tables, word clouds, and simple narratives of case scenarios. Findings established links between perceived climate change and variability, conflicts, displacement, and migration with push factors such as low agricultural productivity due to unpredictable weather conditions, insecurity, and poor economic development. Responses show better economic and human development in host communities, which is not totally dependent on climate change. The issue of integration into host communities calls for robust policy implementation and action to checkmate issues of security threats to host communities and a well-thought-out plan to manage the strain on already planned infrastructure, social and economic budget. Climate Smart Agriculture is advocated for adoption in areas affected by climate change and variability for displaced persons returning back home.