Disappearance of Nigerian Streams Amid Climate Changes: Consequences and Future Directions

Introduction: Streams in Nigeria, as well as globally, are indispensable resources that are vital for supporting livelihoods and cultural heritage. The disappearance of streams in Nigeria has multifaceted consequences and necessitates urgent attention for future endeavors. Climate change-induced alterations in precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and deforestation are contributing factors to the depletion of streams across various regions in Nigeria. This phenomenon has detrimental effects on biodiversity, water availability, agricultural productivity, and community resilience. The loss of a stream threatens aquatic species, exacerbates water scarcity, disrupts essential ecosystem processes, diminishes agricultural yields, and increases vulnerability to climate-related risks. Methodology: This study involved a meticulous examination of the current literature and systematic review procedures. Steps such as assessing the current state of streams in Nigeria, acknowledging the review's importance within Nigeria's context, identifying consequences such as the disappearance and degradation faced by the streams, and exploring future research directions and potential interventions for sustainable stream management were taken. Results: To tackle these challenges, it is crucial to implement sustainable land management practices, promote water conservation, develop climate change adaptation strategies, adopt integrated water resource management strategies, reform policies, and invest in research. By prioritizing these actions, Nigeria can mitigate stream disappearance's adverse impacts, enhance ecosystem resilience, safeguard water resources, and promote sustainable development despite climate change uncertainties. Conclusion: The disappearance of streams in Nigeria amidst climate changes has significant consequences for both the environment and society. The effects range from biodiversity loss to increased vulnerability to climate-related risks, exacerbating water scarcity, and impacting agricultural productivity.