EXAMINING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of climate change on the welfare outcomes of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Northern Nigeria over the period 2011–2024. Anchored on Social Vulnerability Theory and the Social Model of Disability, the study investigated how climate stressors influence displacement, climate-shock-related mortality, and access to healthcare services among PWDs. A quantitative longitudinal time-series research design was adopted, relying on secondary data sourced from national and international agencies. Climate indicators included heatwave days, temperature anomalies, rainfall anomalies, drought severity index, and flood exposure, while adaptation variables captured inclusive adaptation spending, healthcare access, and assistive device access. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique with robust diagnostics was employed for estimation. The findings revealed that climate stressors significantly increased displacement and mortality among PWDs, with flood exposure and heatwave intensity emerging as the most influential drivers. Conversely, disability-inclusive adaptation spending, improved healthcare services, and access to assistive devices significantly reduced adverse outcomes and enhanced healthcare access. The study concludes that climate change disproportionately affects PWDs in Northern Nigeria and that inclusive adaptation measures play a critical mitigating role. It recommends strengthening disability-responsive climate governance, expanding inclusive adaptation financing, and integrating disability-disaggregated data into climate policy frameworks to promote equitable and sustainable development.