Climate-Induced Displacement and Social Cohesion: A Social Work Perspective from North Central Nigeria

Climate change has also heightened environmental stresses that undermine agrarian livelihoods and resource competition in Sub-Saharan Africa. This article explores the interlinkages between climate-induced displacement and social cohesion problems in North Central Nigeria, specifically in Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. Using a pragmatic approach and a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, this research employed structured surveys among 600 respondents and key informant interviews with 30 key informants among community leaders, IDP officials, and local authorities. Quantitatively, this research found that increased levels of climate change-induced environmental stresses were significantly related to an increased likelihood of displacement (beta) = .48, 95% CI [.35, .61], p < .001) and social cohesion (beta) = - .36, 95% CI [- .49, - .23], p < .01). Moreover, the duration and frequency of displacement were inversely related to community trust (r = - .42, 95% CI [- .55, - .29], p < .001). Climate-induced displacement also heightened tensions among host communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs), as found in this qualitative thematic analysis: “Climate change-induced environmental stresses undermine traditional social support systems and resource competition among host communities and IDPs, manifesting as tensions among host communities and IDPs in North Central Nigeria.” However, localized coping strategies, such as communal farming groups, show signs of resilience, providing opportunities for rebuilding the fabric of society. Ethical clearance was granted by the Federal University of Lafia Research Ethics Committee (FUL/SW/REC/2025/012). Recommendations from the research include that social workers act as mediators during conflicts, while governments implement climate-smart livelihoods to promote harmonious integration.