The Effect of Climate Change On Livelihoods in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria (Published)
Climate change’s detrimental effects on natural and human systems have made it a pressing issue. Despite technological advancements, weather and climate remain crucial in agricultural production. This study assesses the impact of climate change on livelihoods in Oju Local Government Area, Benue State. The research examines climate-influenced livelihood activities, utilizing a systematic multistage sampling technique to select 382 respondents. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions provided the necessary data, analyzed using Likert-type ratings, mean scores and standard deviation. This study aims to contribute to understanding climate change’s effects on local livelihoods, informing strategies for mitigation and adaptation. The findings show that a significant majority (86.9%) agree that the changing climate is affecting human and animal health. Many respondents (79.6%) agree that there have been increased incidences of floods during the rainy season. A significant majority (84.8%) agree that there is a continuous poor yield condition due to high temperature and low rainfall. The respondents’ perception suggest that climate change is having significant impacts on: food security, water availability, crop productivity, livestock management, poverty and migration and conflict between herdsmen and villagers. Based on the findings, the study recommended policies and programmes aimed at addressing climate change, such as: climate-resilient agriculture and water management practices, early warning systems for floods and droughts, support for climate-resilient livelihoods and poverty reduction initiatives and conflict resolution and peacebuilding programmes.
Keywords: Adaptation, Agriculture, Climate Change, Livelihood, Perception
The Causal Correlation of Sin and Suffering (Published)
The paper analyzed the causal relation of sin and suffering, including illness. Modern/postmodern societal perception of suffering, and relationship with ill persons was studied. In addition, the Bible (the Books of Job and Luke) was investigated on the subject. The idea is to use Jesus’ actions and teachings as the assessment criteria. The study is important because it may help minimize or stop the practice of wrong accusations against victims who suffer in any way that their plight is their own doing. The findings of the paper are that: to a great extent people’s perception of illness or suffering in modern/postmodern society and that of the biblical times are similar despite the enormous social and historical gap between both eras. Illness or suffering is seen as a reflection of the sinful state of the victim. This explains why people disassociate with victims of ‘disgraceful’ illnesses. The study concludes that to a large extent, modern perception of illness, particularly, of the debilitating ones, as well as relationship with victims are unethical because it does not tally with that of Jesus whose way of life, actions and teachings form the fons et culmen of Christian ethics and therefore, must be corrected.
Keywords: Correlation, Illness, Perception, Relationship, Retribution, Sin, Suffering