An analysis of regime capacity and a nascent environmental conflict in the Niger River Basin
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Date
2017
Authors
Mahlakeng, M. K.
Solomon, Hussein
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
The Niger River Basin (RNB) is and has been important to the
cultural and socio-economic development of the West African
region. However, the basin, which is home to some of the poorest
countries in the world, might be experiencing a new landscape
of conflict with water resources being a key factor. A combination
of climate change, human population growth and unsustainable
resource use is threatening the RNB. The purpose of this article is to
determine, through the Homer-Dixon Environmental Scarcity Theory,
the impact and effects of environmental scarcity in contributing to
a nascent conflict in the RNB. The article conceptualises Homer-
Dixon’s Environmental Scarcity Theory as a theory that argues for
the potential of conflict in transboundary river basins as a result of
environmental scarcity. Furthermore, the article conceptualises
Regime Theory, particularly in the RNB, as treaties on international
rivers that hold essential norms and encourage rule-based
cooperation to politically resolve problems and conflict in the field
of international river basin management. The article will therefore
use Regime Theory to examine the existence and formation, role
and progress (i.e. successes and challenges) of the regimes and/or
institutional mechanisms that aim to deal with environmental scarcity
in the RNB.
Description
Keywords
Niger River Basin (NRB), Homer-Dixon Environmental Scarcity Theory, Regime Theory, Environmental scarcity, Environmental conflict, Regime capacity, Niger Basin Authority
Citation
Mahlakeng, M. K., & Solomon, H. (2017). An analysis of regime capacity and a nascent environmental conflict in the Niger River Basin. Journal for Contemporary History, 42(2), 180-207.