The Perceived Evidence of Climate Change and its Effects on Groundwater Availability in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This primary aim of this paper is to evaluate the perceived evidence of climate change and its effects on groundwater availability in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. So, the paper recognized and stated specific objectives towards the attainment of the primary aim. The specific objectives recognized and stated are: the major causes of climate change, the perceived evidence of climate change in Auchi in relation to historical meteorological shifts, the factors influencing groundwater availability under changing climate patterns, the effects of climate change on groundwater resources availability, and the coping and mitigating strategies in the face of climate-induced stressors in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. In order that the overall aim and specific objectives of this paper are actualized, the researchers used both primary and secondary research methods to collect the data required for the paper. At present, that is, 2026, the projected population of the study area (Auchi) is 255,600 people (after, NPC, 2006). Four hundred (400) respondents which represent 0.16% (zero point one six percent) of the population in the study area were considered. Following the above, four hundred (400) questionnaires were administered to the sample population in the study area. The recognizance and actual field surveys revealed that there are 25 communities in the study area, and that the population is not evenly distributed across the study area. Owing to the above observation, the questionnaires were distributed in the various communities to reflect their population sizes. The data obtained were analysed using tables, graphs and, percentages. The results reveal the major causes of climate change, the perceived evidence of climate change in Auchi in relation to historical meteorological shifts, the factors influencing groundwater availability under changing climate patterns, the effects of climate change on groundwater resources availability, and the coping and mitigating strategies in the face of climate-induced stressors on groundwater availability in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. Following the findings of this paper, the following actionable policy recommendations are made: regular creation of awareness, orientation and sensitization on the evidence of climate change that can impact groundwater availability in Auchi Edo State, Nigeria; introduction and practicing of current coping and mitigation strategies to alleviate the effects of climate change on groundwater availability; measures should be put in place to help modify climatic conditions in order that the temperature near the earth surface can be moderated to avoid excessive heat, evaporation/evapotranspiration, and reduced relative humidity; sustainable practices to help in treating water against water borne diseases without harming the environment should be emphasized; and governments at all levels (federal, state and local) should as a matter of great concern and urgency work out actionable modalities/interventions to make groundwater available to the locals all year round in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. This paper is therefore, concluded by imploring the governments at all levels to implement the list of recommendations made by the researchers.