CLIMATE CHANGE, ECONOMIC ECONOMIC FRAGILITY AND CHILD MORTALITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper investigated the impact of climate change and economic fragility on child health in Nigeria from 1980 to 2021, using the Autoregressive Distributive Lagged (ARDL) model. The results showed that there is a significant long-term relationship between climate change, economic fragility, and under-five mortality in Nigeria. In particular, the study revealed that both climate change and economic fragility have a negative effect on under-five mortality rates in the country. The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers in Nigeria, particularly in terms of improving child health outcomes. The study recommends that the government should prioritize efforts to reduce debt and address the issue of air pollution, as these factors were found to be significant drivers of child mortality in Nigeria. Additionally, the government should invest in programs that promote environmental sustainability and build resilience to climate change. By taking proactive measures to reduce debt, address air pollution, and promote sustainable development, the government can help to ensure a healthy life for children and prevent premature deaths before the age of five.