Effects of climate change on community based grazing lands management: A case study of the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic

Abstract

In recent years, climate changes have had serious and unprecedented effects in Nigeria and Niger Republic. These changes range from a rapid decrease in forest resources to social and economic effects with obvious environmental repercussions. This paper examined the effect of climate change on community based grazing land management between the border of Nigeria and the Niger Republic. The focus was made on identifying activities carried out in the area, identifying herders’ encroachment routes and the perceived occurrence of climate change. Thus, data from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Questionnaire derived from the inhabitants were collected and analyzed. A total of 1,009 questionnaires out of the 1,020 given were used to collect data for the study. The results revealed that various forms of changing climatic patterns force arable farming into more and more marginal areas. When there is heavy pressure on grazing lands, the animals consume palatable vegetation faster than it can generate, and eventually, no vegetation remains. Continuing overgrazing is detrimental in the study area because it reduces primary productivity, impedes plant growth and survival and consequently alters species composition of the grasses, shrubs and forbs that provide livestock with food. The study further revealed that moderate grazing pressure increased plant diversity and soil and land health. Therefore, good pasture management is a remedy to sustainable utilization, among which proper grazing management serves as the key element of sustainable rangeland restoration. The study further recommends that the conservation of grazing land is the responsibility of all.