Climate Vulnerability and Rural Livelihoods in the Agroecological Zones of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to rural livelihoods, particularly in ecologically diverse  and socioeconomically fragile regions like Taraba State, Nigeria. This study assesses the spatial patterns of climate vulnerability across the state’s four main agroecological zones: Montane, Southern Guinea Savannah, Northern Guinea Savannah, and Sudan Savannah. Using the IPCC
vulnerability assessment framework focusing on exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining geospatial data, household surveys, and statistical analyses. Findings revealed that all zones are moderately to highly vulnerable, with the Northern Savannah zone identified as the most vulnerable due to high exposure to rural heat and windstorms, combined with weak adaptive capacity. Flooding emerged as the most significant climate hazard across zones, followed by rural heat and windstorms, while drought was perceived as less impactful. Socioeconomic factors such as low literacy, limited healthcare access, poor infrastructure, and inadequate insurance coverage were found to exacerbate vulnerability. While indigenous coping strategies exist, they are often insufficient in the face of increasing climate extremes. The study emphasizes the need for zone-specific adaptation strategies, improved rural infrastructure, ecosystem-based adaptation, and increased support for vulnerable groups such as women and youth. By offering a nuanced understanding of climate risk at the sub-regional level, this study provides a valuable evidence base for targeted interventions and climate-resilient rural development in Nigeria. It contributes to bridging the knowledge gap on localized climate impacts and supports the formulation of more effective, context-specific adaptation policies in vulnerable rural settings.