MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT WITH INDIGENUOUS TECHNOLOGY IN SOME SAHELIAN COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN NIGERIA.

Abdulkarim, B.* and Sarki, K. I.

The study examined the role of indigenous technologies in coping and managing the impact of climate change among vulnerable communities in the Sahel zone of northern Nigeria .Objectives of the study included an examination of how the communities perceive the concept of climate change, their sources of information and the indigenous technology used in mitigation. It was a longitudinal survey conducted across four seasons where 120 subjects were purposively sampled from four communities and administered a ten-item semi-structured questionnaire ;(r=0.84) using Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed descriptively in percentages. Results revealed that; i) 60% of respondents understood the concept of climate change (CC) as it affect their livelihoods, ii) 20% perceived cc as a mystery of nature while a few viewed the phenomenon as the creation of scientists, iii) Seasonal changes determined indigenous coping strategies; iv) Institutional frameworks for educating communities on climate change were weak.. The study recommends inclusion of traditional institutions and households in the management of risks associated with CC and the establishment of CC information coordinating centres in Local Government Headquarters across the study area.

Key words: Climate Change; Indigenous Technology; Mitigation; Vulnerability.