Environmental Awareness and Resilience among Internally Displaced Populations in North-East Nigeria: A Qualitative Assessment

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Article Type: Research Article
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)
Published: 11 November 2025
Pages: 49-58

How to Cite

kashim, I. A. (2025). Environmental Awareness and Resilience among Internally Displaced Populations in North-East Nigeria: A Qualitative Assessment. Crisis and Resilience, 1(1), 49-58. https://doi.org/10.65773/cr.1.1.48

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Authors

I. A. kashim *
Faculty of Public Health, Texila American University/ Central University of Nicaragua

Abstract

Nigeria’s North-East region, located within the Sahel ecological belt, faces a dual burden of prolonged conflict and environmental degradation. Recurrent droughts, deforestation, desertification, and water scarcity have intensified human displacement and undermined recovery efforts. Understanding the environmental awareness of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is critical for shaping sustainable resilience strategies.This qualitative study assessed environmental awareness among IDPs in Borno and Taraba States, examining how perceptions of environmental change influence displacement and adaptation. Twelve Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted across four camps—Teachers’ Village and MOGCOLIS in Borno, and Shawuya and Howai–Mile Six in Taraba—comprising adult men, women, and community leaders. Transcribed data were thematically analyzed using the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) domains of water, forestry, air, energy, and agriculture. Ethical approvals were obtained from state authorities. Findings reveal variable but practical environmental awareness among participants. In Taraba, respondents linked displacement to flooding, river pollution, and declining soil fertility, while in Borno, conflict and insecurity remained dominant, though participants recognized changing rainfall and erosion patterns. Camps faced severe environmental challenges, including inadequate sanitation, deforestation for firewood, open defecation, and solid-fuel dependence. Awareness of government or NGO environmental initiatives was limited, yet IDPs exhibited strong experiential understanding of resource depletion and its health implications. Integrating environmental education into humanitarian programs—through clean-energy adoption, tree-planting, waste segregation, and “green camp” management—can enhance health, adaptation, and resilience. Strengthened intersectoral coordination between humanitarian and environmental agencies is proposed.

Keywords:
Environmental awareness, internally displaced persons, North-East Nigeria, Sahel, resilience, Environmental Performance Index (EPI), qualitative study

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References

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