Climate Change and National Security in Africa: Insights from the Lake Chad Region

Abstract

Climate change has increasingly emerged as a critical factor influencing national and regional security, particularly in fragile contexts across Africa. This article examines the intersection of climate change and security through a focused case study of the Lake Chad Basin, a region severely impacted by environmental degradation and socio-political instability. Drawing on historical, geographical, and contemporary security dynamics, the study explores how climate-induced resource scarcity, forced migration, and livelihood collapse have contributed to the rise of violent conflict and insurgency, notably the Boko Haram crisis. The article argues that climate change functions as a threat multiplier, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities such as poverty, weak governance, and intercommunal tensions. It also investigates the role of environmental degradation in driving regional conflict and proposes actionable policy recommendations for African governments. These include integrating climate-security concerns into national frameworks, investing in climate-resilient livelihoods, strengthening regional cooperation, and leveraging international support.