Environmental Scarcity and Violent Conflict in North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental scarcity plays a significant role in triggering violence in many parts of the world and it is the position of this paper that it is a direct cause of violent conflicts in Nigeria’s North East geo-political zone. Evidence emanating from research conducted in the course of this study contradicts the view held by key Western analysts that although the adverse effects of climate change might be an underlying cause of violent conflicts, it is never a direct cause of such conflicts. Relying on secondary sources of data collection and structured interviews with knowledgeable persons residing in the affected states of the North East, this study investigated the issue of environmental scarcity and its direct link to violent conflicts in the North East zone of Nigeria and came up with findings that validate its position that environmental scarcity, in many instances, can be the direct cause of violent conflicts, not merely a contributory factor. Patterns of climate-induced violent conflicts, particularly those involving farmers and herdsmen in the North East, were identified, and possible lasting solutions to the conflicts were proffered by the study.