Deterioration of Plant Resources in Contact with Nigerian Refugees, Returnees and Internal Displaced Chadians in Kaya, Lake Region, Western Chad

Abstract

Chad in general and Kaya in particular, hosts a large number of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons. Wars, inter-community conflicts and the nebulous Boko Haram sect are the causes of massive displacement of populations from neighboring countries to Chad and Kaya. The arrival of Nigerian and Nigerian refugees, returnees and internally displaced Chadians has increased the population and the need for energy, especially firewood and charcoal. Moreover, to meet their food and financial needs, these migrants are forced to destroy the plant resources of the region and of Kaya in order to survive. This is damaging the natural environment and the economy of the Lac and Kaya region. Thus, 25 refugees, returnees and displaced persons were studied and empirical data collected in order to determine their responsibility in the degradation of vegetation in Kaya. Then, 3 people in charge of the environment in Bagassola were interviewed to gather their opinions on the role played by refugees, returnees and IDPs in Kaya in the environmental degradation in this area. Five interviews were held with NGOs in Bagassola to find out the underlying reasons that lead refugees, returnees and IDPs to destroy nature.