Nigeria Case study
Nigeria and the Philippines face similar climate risks, Nigeria can learn from the Philippines’ strong community-driven restoration approach, especially in using nature-based solutions to build resilience and improve livelihoods.
In Nigeria, common climate-related hazards include flooding, drought, desertification, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of floods, especially during the rainy season, and worsened drought in northern regions.
The most affected areas are riverine and low-lying regions such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Bayelsa, and Lagos States. Coastal states in the Niger Delta also face erosion and rising sea levels, similar to coastal communities in the Philippines.
Rural communities, smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and informal settlements are the most affected. They depend heavily on natural resources, live in high-risk areas, and often lack strong infrastructure or savings to recover quickly after disasters.
Communities use local methods such as changing planting seasons, cultivating flood- or drought-tolerant crops, raising homes, temporary relocation, and relying on community support systems. In coastal areas, some communities engage in limited mangrove protection and restoration, though not yet at large scale.
Government agencies like NEMA, NSEMA, and State Governments provide emergency relief, awareness campaigns, and early warning information. Local NGOs, CSOs, and development partners support climate adaptation, livelihood diversification, and community resilience projects. However, compared to the Philippines case, Nigeria still needs stronger community-led ecosystem restoration and long-term resilience planning.