Impact of Climate Change and Resource Scarcity on Human Resource Development in the Lake Chad Basin

Abstract

This paper uses historical and inter-disciplinary approach as its methodology. Evidence indicates that there is a high percentage and concentration of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluoro-carbons on the earth than the pre-industrial era. This gas
concentration is as a result of human activities. The implication is that the earth is feverishly experiencing high temperatures than before. This phenomenon became the focus of attention and generated much interest at the Earth Summit in Rio de Jeneiro in June 1992 and likely to remain so for a very long time. However, climate change has affected economies and dislocated many people economically and socio-culturally thus retarding national development. This has been seen through incessant flooding, desertification and desiccation (dryness) of some lands. This in a long run leads to resource scarcity in many climes. Hence, desiccation as a result of climate change is responsible for (the dryness) of Lake Chad today. This dryness has affected quite a large number of people who depended on it for their livelihood. Many of those persons were either farmers, pastoralists (nomads) fishermen and even recreation. It is the suggestion of this paper that nations within Lake Chad Basin and those bordering Lake Chad and indeed African nations should find a way of reviving the Lake. Apart from its contribution to economies of the region, it will also prevent conflict arising from search for fodder and internal migration.