CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AND PERCEIVED ANTHROPOGENIC DRIVERS AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN PROTECTED AREAS OF NORTHERN NIGERIA
Publication Type: Journal Article.
Publication Year: 2026
Author(s): Iyagin, F.O., Adekunle, V.A.J., Sale, F.A., Lawal, A., and Adeboyejo, A.A.
Journal Name: (IJAEMD)
ABSTRACT
Climate change poses increasing threats to ecosystems and human livelihoods, particularly in rural communities around protected areas (PAs). This study assessed climate change awareness and activities contributing to climate change among rural populations in northern Nigeria. Four PAs were purposively selected, and five adjacent fringe communities were randomly sampled within each PA. A total of 400 structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected household heads. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A binary logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors driving climate change awareness. The findings revealed that respondents were predominantly male and within economically active age groups. Overall awareness of climate change was high (93.25%), with radio identified as the primary source of information. However, awareness levels varied significantly across locations, with respondents in Marhai exhibiting lower awareness compared to those in Yankari, Sumu, and Borgu. Major human activities perceived to contribute to climate change included bush burning (89%), overgrazing (81%), fuelwood collection (79%), and logging (77%). While no significant differences were observed among Yankari, Borgu, and Marhai in awareness of contributing activities (p > 0.05), Sumu differed significantly from the other locations. The study established that religion and education are statistically significant (p<0.005) determinants of climate change awareness in the study areas. Respondents widely recognized climate change impacts, particularly rainfall variability (95%), flooding and erosion (88%), and temperature extremes (87%). It is recommended that environmental education be strengthened and religious institutions be actively engaged to enhance climate change awareness in protected area communities.
Keywords: Climate change, awareness, protected area, rural communities, adaptation