Reframing Environmental Governance Through Lived Landscapes in Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examines the challenges of environmental governance in Nigeria, where national frameworks like the Climate Change Act and the National Climate Change Policy face limitations in translating policy into practice due to weak institutional coordination, limited community engagement, and structural constraints. It argues that effective governance requires reframing through lived landscapes—everyday spaces where ecological systems, social practices, cultural knowledge, and livelihoods intersect, linking national strategies to local realities. Using a conceptual and analytical review of literature, policy documents, and institutional reports, the study explores governance across Nigeria’s diverse contexts, including arid northern regions, flood-prone areas like Benue and Kogi States, and rapidly urbanising cities such as Lagos. The analysis finds that integrating lived landscapes through decentralisation, participatory mechanisms, secure land tenure, and technology enhances policy effectiveness, resilience, and equity. Community-based adaptation practices such as flood management, soil conservation, and informal urban strategies combined with institutional support strengthen climate resilience, accountability, and sustainability. Inter-agency collaboration and robust monitoring further bridge the gap between policy and practice. To operationalise these insights, the paper recommends empowering local governments, institutionalising community participation, recognising indigenous and communal land rights, expanding environmental education, leveraging technology, and ensuring targeted financing with transparent evaluation frameworks. Such measures support adaptive, inclusive, and locally grounded governance aligned with Nigeria’s national objectives and global sustainability commitments.
Keywords
Community EngagementEnvironmental GovernanceLived LandscapesNigeriaPolicy
References
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