IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BEROM CULTURE IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change is a global phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences for various aspects of human life, including culture. This research aims to explore the impact of climate change on culture, highlighting the interconnectedness between environmental changes and cultural practices. The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise, have significant implications for cultural traditions, social dynamics, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Traditional practices and rituals tied to agriculture, fishing, and hunting are being disrupted as changing weather pattern and ecological imbalances alter the availability of natural resources. This study used both primary and secondary data. Population of the study covered an estimated and approximate population of Jos South Local Government of Plateau State which is 306,716 people include both indigenes and none indigenes. Systematic Random Sampling was used as a technique to get the target population of 176 respondents of the Berom ethnic group who are the predominant and the first settlers on the Plateau. Data was  analysed using statistical tool SPSS version 23. From the analysis, it can be deduced that with severe changes in storm, heightened poverty and displacement, the most practiced skill of the people including farming and hunting can be affected negatively while health risk can also be affected significantly. It can be concluded that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a cultural one, as it threatens the diversity and richness of cultures around the world; that the impact of climate change is interconnected and can lead to the erosion of cultural practices, languages, and traditions. While urgent actions are needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change to protect cultural heritage and ensure the continuity of cultural practices.