The effect of climate change on malnutrition among children under five in Borno State
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Background of the Study
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting vulnerable populations in myriad ways. In Borno State, where socio-economic instability intersects with environmental stressors, climate change has intensified the risks associated with malnutrition among children under five. The increasing temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and frequent extreme weather events have contributed to reduced agricultural productivity and food insecurity. These climatic shifts adversely affect food availability and quality, directly influencing the nutritional status of young children (Okoro, 2023). Moreover, Borno State has experienced compounded vulnerabilities due to ongoing conflicts and displacement, which further weaken community resilience and exacerbate malnutrition rates. Studies conducted in recent years have highlighted the interplay between climate variability and nutritional outcomes, underscoring that climate-induced crop failures lead to diminished household incomes and reduced dietary diversity (Abdullahi, 2024).
The nexus of climate change and malnutrition is complex; it involves not only the direct impact of environmental stress on food production but also the indirect effects on healthcare accessibility, water quality, and sanitation. In Borno State, limited infrastructure and public health resources have hindered effective responses to these challenges. As malnutrition during early childhood can lead to irreversible developmental deficits, understanding the mechanisms by which climate change contributes to nutritional deficiencies is critical for policy formulation and intervention (Suleiman, 2025). Furthermore, recent data suggest that children in conflict-affected regions like Borno are disproportionately affected, as climatic shocks worsen already fragile living conditions. The convergence of environmental hazards and socio-political instability creates a feedback loop where poor nutrition further reduces community adaptive capacity. Researchers have argued that addressing malnutrition in such contexts requires an integrated approach that combines climate adaptation strategies with robust nutritional programs (Ibrahim, 2023).
In light of these challenges, the current study seeks to examine the extent to which climate change has affected malnutrition among children under five, considering both immediate and long-term impacts. It will explore seasonal variations in food availability, the role of local agricultural practices, and the socio-economic determinants that exacerbate vulnerability. This study is particularly timely given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events documented in the region, which have brought renewed attention to the interplay between environmental and health crises. By integrating recent empirical findings with local case studies, the study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on climate resilience and public health in fragile settings.
Statement of the Problem
Despite extensive global research on climate change, there remains a significant gap in localized studies addressing its impacts on child nutrition in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State. Malnutrition among children under five continues to be a persistent public health challenge exacerbated by recurrent climatic shocks and socio-political instability. While government agencies and international bodies have launched several initiatives to mitigate food insecurity, the persistent incidence of malnutrition indicates that these efforts may not fully account for the compounding effects of climate change (Uche, 2024).
The specific problemin Borno State arises from a dual burden: environmental degradation induced by climate variability and the destabilizing effects of regional conflicts. Frequent droughts, irregular rainfall, and unseasonal floods have disrupted agricultural cycles, leading to chronic food shortages. This, in turn, has increased the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children whose nutritional needs are critical during the early stages of development. Local health systems, already strained by limited resources and infrastructural challenges, struggle to provide adequate nutritional support and timely interventions (Chukwu, 2023). Moreover, the displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods further compromise food security, thereby deepening the vulnerability of young children.
There is an urgent need to delineate the direct and indirect pathways through which climate change exacerbates malnutrition in Borno State. Although several studies have addressed malnutrition in broader contexts, few have systematically investigated the unique climatic and socio-political interactions in this region. This study aims to fill that gap by providing empirical evidence on how environmental stressors linked to climate change directly affect nutritional outcomes among children under five. By identifying the specific climatic factors and socio-economic conditions at play, the study will inform targeted interventions and adaptive strategies to improve child nutrition amidst ongoing environmental and political challenges.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the relationship between climate change indicators and malnutrition rates among children under five.
- To examine the socio-economic and environmental factors that contribute to nutritional deficiencies in Borno State.
- To propose actionable strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on child nutrition.
Research Questions
- How do climate change phenomena correlate with malnutrition trends among children under five in Borno State?
- What are the key environmental and socio-economic determinants influencing nutritional outcomes in the region?
- Which intervention strategies can effectively reduce the incidence of malnutrition in the context of climatic challenges?
Research Hypotheses
- There is a statistically significant relationship between increased temperature variability and malnutrition rates among children under five.
- Socio-economic factors, compounded by climate-induced food insecurity, significantly contribute to the prevalence of malnutrition in Borno State.
- Implementing integrated climate adaptation and nutritional support strategies will reduce malnutrition incidences among young children.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on selected communities within Borno State that are most affected by climate variability and conflict. It will utilize both primary data from household surveys and secondary data from regional health records. Limitations include potential challenges in data collection due to security concerns, recall bias in survey responses, and the difficulty of isolating climate variables from other socio-political factors. The findings may not be generalizable to other regions with different environmental or conflict dynamics.
Definitions of Terms
- Climate Change: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, often attributed to human activity.
- Malnutrition: A condition resulting from an imbalanced or inadequate diet, leading to undernourishment or micronutrient deficiencies.
- Children Under Five: Individuals below the age of five, considered a vulnerable group in nutritional studies.
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