10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Climate change has remained one of the major environmental challenges affecting the conservation of natural resources and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. It has been established in the previous studies that many environmental factors like irregular rainfall patterns, flooding and soil degradation have continued to threaten the sustainable management of natural resources and the well-being of communities. This study investigated the influence of climate change on natural resources conservation and environmental sustainability in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised environmental officers, agricultural extension workers, forestry personnel, and community members across selected Local Government Areas. A sample of 400 respondents was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire titled Climate Change, Natural Resources Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Questionnaire (CCNRCESQ), which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.87 using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression, at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that climate change had a significant negative influence on natural resources conservation and environmental sustainability in Kwara State (r = -0.68, p < 0.05)..The study concluded that climate change significantly undermined the conservation of natural resources and environmental sustainability in Kwara State. It was therefore recommended that government agencies, environmental stakeholders, educational institutions, and local communities should strengthen climate adaptation programmes, promote sustainable resource management practices. The public awareness campaigns should be promoted to enhance environmental resilience and sustainable development in the state.