Changing food security: The challenges of climate change in Ukpeko, Etsako East, Edo State Nigeria

Rural communities’ livelihoods as well as the economies in developing countries depend on rain-fed agriculture (crops), fisheries, and livestock herding, which are heavily affected by changes in climate.The impact of climate change has become more catastrophic at different levels and has greatly exacerbated food insecurity in communities already vulnerable to hunger. This study analyses the interconnectivity between food security, climate change and flood risk and the critical challenges for food production in Ukpeko and Ogwoyor. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study, along with 120 participants. At 5% significant level, the result shows that flooding had a negative relationship with crop and fish production, leading to a complete loss of livelihoods and the eventual displacement of the people of the two communities studied. In addition, there is a correlation between climate change and changing poverty/vulnerability levels across the two communities. The evidence from the research supports the need for country specific adaptation of and migration development of climate-smart food systems that are more resilient when it comes to the impact of climate change on food security and in relation to displacement. This paper suggests a more nuanced policy alternative that secures livelihoods and protects agricultural lands most associated with vulnerable local populations.