Aspects of natural resource use and adaptation to climate change in the Nigerian Savanna
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Date
2015
Authors
Fasona, M.J
Oloukoi, G
Olorunfemi, F.B
Elias, P.O
Adedayo, V.T
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Publisher
Ibadan University Press
Abstract
This study investigates indigenous knowledge and perceptions on natural resource use, climate change and adaptation among rural communities in the wooded savanna. It combines participatory rural appraisal with vegetal surveys and remote sensing and GIS analysis. The results suggest that communities’ perception on the climate is consistent with results from station data. 94% believes that the pattern of rainfall has changed and 91% believes the pattern of temperature has changed. Twenty-four tree species support the local livelihoods including construction, herbs and therapy, seed and fruit gathering, fuelwood and wood for production of charcoal. Community managed forest is scarce and no indigenous specie is cultivated on woodlot. Conflict in uses has put some local species in danger of extinction. Crop switch remains the most common form of adaptation to climate change but significant percent do not have any adaptation option. Communities are well aware of the threat of climate change and extinction of some local species and are willing to partner with other stakeholders for improved ecosystems management, but are not sufficiently mobilized. We consider that unraveling the key issues surrounding non-implementation of existing policy and programmes documents is primordial to mobilizing the rural communities to action.
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Citation
Mayowa Fasona, Grace Oloukoi, Felix Olorunfemi, Peter Elias and Vide Adedayo (2015): Aspects of natural resource use and adaptation to climate change in the Nigerian Savana, p323-342. In Adeniyi Gbadegesin, Eze Bassey, Olugbenga Orimoogunje and Olutoyin Fashae (Eds.): Frontiers in Environmental Research and Sustainable Environment in the 21st Century. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press, NIGERIA