The influence of the shrinking of lake chad on livelihood, conflict and migration

Abstract

The Lake Chad Basin is situated in the middle of Africa and consists out of seven countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. Lake Chad itself is situated in a border region consisting out of four countries: Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. The Lake has been shrinking during the last couple of decennia. This aim of this research is to work out if the shrinking of Lake Chad has an influence on livelihood, conflict and migration. The shrinking of Lake Chad played a minor negative role in conflict, migration and livelihood practices. There are other factors that have a larger influence on these phenomena. Mainly the presence of terrorist group Boko Haram can be attributed to the rise of new types of conflict and migration in the Lake Chad region, as well as a negative impact on livelihood practices such as agriculture and fishing in this region.