Climate-Induced Insecurity, Masculinity And Feminization Of Economic Responsibilities In Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin
Shadrach Adams Brandford, Johnson U. Agbo, John Moses Maikomo
Keywords: Masculinity, livelihood, climate change, Lake Chad Basin, gender inequality
Abstract
This study examines how climate-induced insecurity is eroding the economic and social power of male-breadwinners in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin; thereby reshaping gender identities and undermining economic and social rights. Drawing on mixed-methods research across three Local Government Areas: Monguno, Marte and Kukawa/Baga in Borno State, Nigeria, the study combines 400 household surveys with 20 in-depth interviews to analyze the intersection of climate-induced insecurity and masculinity. Findings reveal a measurable fracture of the male-breadwinner identity, with 63% of respondents perceiving its collapse. Logistic regression shows that age and education significantly shape these perceptions, while gender does not. However, the lived experience of livelihood collapse is deeply gendered: women are significantly more likely to assume increased economic responsibilities without corresponding decision-making authority. The study conceptualizes this pattern as “feminization of responsibility without feminization of authority,” reflecting a structural gender imbalance. Situating these findings within the framework of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the study concludes that the erosion of livelihoods for male-breadwinners constitutes violations of the rights to work, adequate standard of living, and social security, while also reinforcing gender inequality. The study recommends a rights-based approach to livelihood recovery that integrates gender-transformative strategies and masculinity re-engagement, while acknowledging constraints of state capacity in conflict-affected settings.
Author Biography
Shadrach Adams Brandford
Social Sciences Unit, Department of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9383-7170
Johnson U. Agbo
Department Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
John Moses Maikomo
Department of Political Science, Taraba State University Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria