ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY ON INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.
Musa Zechariah Gimba
Volume 14 Issue 1
Abstract
This study assesses the impact of environmental security on internal displacement in North Central Nigeria, with a focus on how environmental degradation and resource scarcity contribute to forced migration. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 287 respondents across three states, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau, selected based on their ecological vulnerability and prevalence of displacement. The binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between environmental degradation and displacement, while qualitative interviews provided insights into the lived experiences of displaced persons. Results revealed a statistically significant association between perceived environmental degradation and displacement, with respondents experiencing high levels of environmental stress being over seven times more likely to have been displaced (B = 2.014, Exp(B) = 7.492, p < 0.001). Descriptive statistics showed that 49.5% of respondents attributed displacement to sudden-onset disasters such as flooding, while 40.8% linked it to slow-onset processes like drought and land degradation. Qualitative findings highlighted that declining land productivity, water scarcity, and farmer-herder conflicts are key push factors for migration. The study concludes that environmental insecurity is a major driver of internal displacement in the region, exacerbating socio-political tensions and undermining livelihoods. Based on these findings, the paper recommends the integration of environmental security into national policy frameworks and the development of a comprehensive migration and displacement management strategy to build resilience and reduce vulnerability in affected communities. Keywords: Environment, Security, Displacement, Degradation, Resources
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