Determinants of vulnerability to climate health risk in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change has become a topical issue globally, due to its effects on the physical, chemical and biological systems of the world. Studies revealed that climate influences the living conditions of people to various degrees and direction. This study assessed people’s perceptions on the determinants of their vulnerability to climate-related health risk. Data on people’s perception was obtained in December 2023 from the community using seven hundred and eighty-four (784) structured questionnaires. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the results were presented using tables. Findings showed that 40.3% strongly agreed and 39.2% agreed that rainfall variability, with weighted mean score of 4.06 and ranking order of first position is the major biophysical determinant of people's vulnerability to climate health risk. while vegetation cover recorded the lowest weight of 3.59 with last ranking order. However, as per socio-economic determinants the study indicated population growth with highest weighted mean score of 4.06 and therefore rank as the first determinant. On the other hand, findings indicated entitlement with only about 24.5% and 26.3% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively that this factor is among the determinants of vulnerability to climate health risk with weighted mean score of 3.48. Based on these results it is concluded that, there are various biological, physical, social and economic factors that determine peoples’ vulnerability to health-related risk in Kano State. Therefore, it was recommended that the government, nongovernmental organizations and individuals should join hands for the provision of appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies.