Climate change in West Africa

Climate change is unfolding and adding to the burdens that developing countries have to face. Its physical effects vary from region to region. Although adaptation to suit new conditions was also common in the past, the severity and pace of climate change in the 21st century will present unprecedented challenges that will play upon and exacerbate the vulnerability of ordinary people and their communities to extreme disruption, weakening confidence in the social order and its institutions, and damaging the resource base of their life together. Under these circumstances, urgent grievances and sharpening conflict can be expected.

The impact of climate change has particular resonance in the Niger River basin, where burgeoning demands on its fresh water resources from a plethora of nations and users compounded by increasing migration and competition threaten to overwhelm existing coping and adaptation strategies. With a specific focus on the riparian countries of Mali, Niger and Nigeria, yet maintaining linkages to the regional and international stage, Alert seeks to increase the capacity of people and institutions from the Niger River basin to respond to current climatic stresses and the future impacts of climate change, maintain or enhance their levels of human security and well-being and avoid situations of tension developing into violent conflict.

At present, Alert and its partners at International Development UEA and at universities in Mali, Niger and Nigeria are conducting research into environmental stress, climate change, human security and violent conflict at different localities along the Niger River, which will serve as the basis for future engagement.