Historicizing Climate Change and Environmental Degradation in the Niger-Benue Confluence Area of Nigeria
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Date
2024-11-06
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African Studies and Research Forum
Abstract
Since the pre-colonial and colonial eras, the term commonly used to describe the
phenomenon we now refer to as “climate change” was often called “global
warming.” During that time, scientists and researchers primarily focused on the
observed increase in global average temperatures and its potential impact on the
Earth’s climate systems. The Niger-Benue region plays host to the confluence of
the two main rivers in Nigeria which contributed to its fame and socioeconomic
development since the pre-colonial era. The growth of the population, increase in
agriculture, and construction of infrastructures during the post-colonial period
contributed to the environmental degradation of the Niger-Benue Confluence
region. These environmental concerns include land degradation, water pollution,
deforestation, erosion, water pollution, flooding, and biodiversity loss. This
article historicizes the effect of global warming and climate change in the Niger-Benue Confluence region which encompasses Lokoja and its environs. Flooding
which has become a recurrent phenomenon in the region has led to the loss of
many lives and properties, and an increase in crime rates. Using contemporary
works and oral interviews, it is argued that despite the development that occurred
in the region to forestall the effects of climate change, the region continues to
suffer its devastating effects.
Keywords: Climate Change, Environment, Degradation, Flooding, Niger-Benue
Confluence
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Citation
Hadizat, A.S: (2024), Historicizing Climate Change and Environmental Degradation in the Niger-Benue Confluence Area of Nigeria. Journal of African Studies and Research Forum, 33(2): 49-59. Available online at https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/b6c8e7be-b162-49d0-8c99-5f16bd1ecd9b/downloads/EssaySalihu.pdf?ver=1710862172015