Drought and Flood (Climate Change) – Social-Ecological System Destabilization – Conflict – Nexus in East Africa : Climate Change-induced Environmental Degradation, Food Insecurity, Migration and Violence around Mt. Kilimanjaro

Toin University of Yokohama

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Abstract: Climate change leads to environmental degradation and destruction which have an impact not only on natural resources but also human beings. Competing livelihood systems are subject to stiff competition, leading to social tensions and violence. In other incidences, environmentally induced migration has contributed to competition over shrinking resources in host communities, and is a recipe for violence. Droughts and/or floods are examples of extreme weather events, which are categorized under climate variability and characterized by their severe effects on people’s livelihoods, especially on agricultural production and associated food security. The current drought situation in the Horn of Africa is worryingly familiar, and the situation is deteriorating faster than expected. Severely erratic and below average rainfall has resulted in widespread food insecurity and malnutrition, deteriorating livestock conditions, and the mass movement of populations within and across borders.