The Role and Effectiveness of Legal Framework in Addressing Climate Change in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Climate change is a global menace, thus threatening economic stability and public health and disproportionately affecting developing regions such as Kwara State, Nigeria. This study critically examines the role and effectiveness of legal frameworks in mitigating climate change impacts in Kwara State. Nigeria has shown commitment to international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); however, local implementation remains hindered due to inadequate enforcement, limited public awareness, and institutional inefficiencies. This study employs a qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and research institutions, to evaluate the effectiveness of existing climate-related legal policies in Kwara State. The study reveals that legal frameworks such as the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) and the National Climate Change Act provide regulatory structures for environmental governance. However, their enforcement is ineffective because of insufficient funding, lack of political will, and poor inter-agency coordination. The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and afforestation initiatives to curb environmental degradation, but weak implementation strategies and a lack of stakeholder involvement limit their success. The study further highlights the gaps between national climate policies and local realities, emphasizing the need for localized adaptation strategies considering socio-economic constraints. It recommends strengthening legal enforcement mechanisms, enhancing community participation, and integrating climate policies with sustainable development initiatives. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on climate governance in subnational contexts and underscores the urgency of legal reforms to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.