Diversifying livelihoods for flood-resilient communities: Alternative sustainable development pathways in the Nigerian drylands

Seminar
This event has now finished.
  • Date and time: Tuesday 7 May 2024, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
  • Location: In-person only
    ENV/105x, Environment Building, Campus West, University of York (Map)
  • Audience: Open to staff, students (postgraduate researchers only)
  • Admission: Free admission, booking required

Event details

Join us for the second in our YESI International Fellows Seminar Series with Dr Ummi Khalthum Mohammed from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.

Abstract

Increasing resilience of women farmers in dryland ecosystems is crucial in the face of intensifying climate change effects, particularly as they encounter formidable challenges related to soil degradation, limited access to land, limited financial support and societal barriers.

This is evident in Jigawa State, Nigeria, which has become increasingly susceptible to recurrent floods and drought uncertainties, necessitating the exploration of alternative socio-economic development strategies to diversify livelihoods, strengthen community resilience, and mitigate the impacts of weather uncertainties.

Drawing on a paper currently under development, with data collected through field surveys and focus group discussions across three flood-affected communities, this seminar explores the potential of diversifying livelihoods as a key component of building flood resilience within Jigawa State in Nigeria’s drylands.

Assessment of the factors that shape the resilience and vulnerability of rural women in the face of recurring floods is presented by addressing the following research questions:

  • how are floods impacts perceived by rural women in Northern Nigeria, and
  • what livelihood diversification strategies are undertaken by rural women to face flooding events?

Key enabling factors and barriers to livelihood diversification are explored.

Feedback will be sought from the audience, with a view to help shape the paper and establish collaborative links.

Bio

Photograph of Dr Ummikhaltum Mohammed

Dr. Ummi Khalthum Mohammed is a lecturer and researcher at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. She has a PhD in Natural resource management and Climate change. She is currently a YESI International Fellow, at UoY.  Her areas of research interest include resource management, climate change, energy use, environment and development.