The Impact of Climate Change Adaptations on Conflict Prevention in the 21st Century: a Comparison of Eastern and Western Africa Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the theoretical relationship between Climate Change Adaptation on Conflict Prevention in the Twenty-First Century International System, assess the impact of Climate Change Adaptation on Conflict Prevention in Twenty-First Century Africa, and compare and contrast the Impact of Climate Change Adaptation on Conflict Prevention in Eastern and Western Africa. The study employed a mixed-methods case study strategy that encompassed both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative methodology was used to collect and manage the descriptive data. Qualitative method was used to evaluate qualitative elements such as the respondents' attitudes and views, which do not have standard metrics. The quantitative method, on the other hand, was used to collect and manage numerical data that was used to quantify disparities, predict relationships, and identify characteristics. The study discovered that in the twenty-first century international system, there are theoretical links between climate change adaptations and conflict avoidance. According to a growing consensus, climate change has already become a global risk multiplier in a variety of ways, including increasing unpredictability, exacerbated inequality, and rising tensions, all of which lead to the emergence of new risks of violent conflict. According to several studies, climate warming increases the likelihood of state conflict. Existing ties between climate change adaptation, conflict prevention, and other associated topics like food security, disaster management, humanitarian response, and health are also being strengthened. This demonstrates how climate change and conflicts are inextricably linked, as well as the significance of integrating adaptation, mitigation, and conflict prevention strategies to achieve long-term solutions to global vulnerabilities. As a result of these challenges, the study discovered that climate change may block the fulfilment of many of the SDGs, including those linked to environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, child mortality, and the eradication of malaria and other diseases. Existing environmental and societal issues may lead to migration over and within country borders, heightening the continent's conflict risk. As a result, climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a socio-economic one with major socio-economic ramifications that could lead to violent and non-violent conflicts in many parts of Africa. The study has noted that the Eastern and Western regions of Africa have implemented a number of climate change adaptation initiatives all geared towards preventing climate induced conflicts. Climate change has long been projected to have a range of direct and indirect effects on food security, water availability, people's health and well-being, and regional stability in Eastern Africa. Rainfed agriculture, for example, is the primary source of income for a large portion of the population in several Eastern African countries. The study recommends that there is need for increased political commitment to climate change adaptation on conflict prevention, improved identification mechanisms for climate change and assessment of conflict risks, enhanced knowledge management of climate change adaptation on conflict prevention, improved governance of security institutions, and integration of climate change adaptation measures into emergency conflict prevention response. In order to avoid climate-related violence, regional cooperation through regional economic communities like as ECOWAS, IGAD, and EAC must focus on adopting policies that focus climate change adaptation measures.