Climate Variability and Changing Pattern of Nomadic Routes in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the implications of the recent changes in the nomadic routes across Nigeria.   A quasi-field survey design was used for investigation. Five states (Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states) that served as traditional transits and destinations of migrating herdsmen were purposely selected for the study. A Respondents Network Model (RNM) was used to locate 285 herders for semi structured questionnaire administration. Finding showed that majority of the herders were young (15-35 years), illiterate between the age of 15 and 35 years.  Climate change, drought, and scarcity of water were the initial push factors while persistent resistance, hospitality fatigue, and urbanization led to the adoption of the current patterns of nomadic migration. The consequences of the creating new routes are frequent conflicts, security threat and violent clashes at new destinations. Statistically, there was a significant relationship (r ≥ 0.72; p-value = 0.001) between arrival of herders and frequency of conflicts at the host communities.  This study recommends mitigation to cushion the effects of climate change at the source regions through provision of wells and boreholes for portable water as well as provision of grazing lands and ranches along major drainage basins to reduce incessant nomadic migration.