The Shrinking of Lake Chad and Its Implications for Food Security in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The dramatic reduction in the size of Lake Chad, which was once one of Africa's largest lakes, poses significant food security challenges across the region, particularly in Borno state. This drastic reduction has led to severe food insecurity, making the LCR a hotspot for extreme humanitarian crises. Therefore, this study examines the implications of the Lake Chad basin shrinking on food security in Borno state .To achieve this, the paper uses Integrated Environmental Livelihood theory as a theoretical framework and employs a mixed -methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the shrinking Lake Chad region. The findings revealed the deleterious economic impact of Lake Chad’s shrinking—particularly market instability and rising food prices—as the most urgent concern, with over half of responses highlighting these as significant threats to food security and local livelihoods. To address the urgent and long-term challenges posed by the shrinking of Lake Chad, a balanced strategy of immediate humanitarian aid and long-term economic stabilization is essential. Short-term actions should focus on providing food, healthcare, and emergency support to alleviate acute needs, while long-term initiatives should promote sustainable agriculture, climate practices, and alternative income sources. Strengthening regional cooperation and international partnerships is crucial to build resilient market systems and water management infrastructure, reducing resource-based conflicts and ensuring sustainable development. Financial aid and technical support from global entities will be vital for the success of these efforts in stabilizing the region and mitigating further instability.