Personal profile
Research overview
Dr Cyril Effiong joined the School of Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews in 2025. His research examines the intersection of climate change, justice, and livelihoods, with a particular focus on riverine and flood-prone communities in Nigeria.
Using a political economy and sustainable livelihoods framework, Dr. Effiong explores how governance, inequality, and environmental change interact to shape resilience within the blue economy. His current work focuses on Loss and Damage (L&D) especially non-economic losses such as cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and social cohesion developing new ways to conceptualise and quantify these often-overlooked dimensions of climate impact.
Dr. Effiong integrates GIS, spatial analysis, and critical social theory to inform equitable, locally led adaptation strategies. He also contributes as a peer reviewer in the fields of climate change, environmental governance, and sustainable development
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy, Resilience of River Based Livelihoods in Floodplians covering Lower Niger River in Nigeria , University of Birmingham
26 Sept 2020 → 30 Sept 2027
Award Date: 3 Jan 2025
Master in Science, University of Ibadan
28 Mar 2012 → 31 May 2027
Award Date: 27 May 2014
Bachelor of Science
Award Date: 3 Aug 2010
External positions
Member , Santiago Network (UNFCCC)
20 Jun 2025 → …
Keywords
- G Geography (General)
- GC Oceanography
- GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 5 Gender Equality -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy -
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 15 Life on Land -
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Beyond incrementalism: advancing systemic transformational adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa evidence from the Lower Niger River Basin, Nigeria
Effiong, C. J., Wakawa Zanna, J. M. & Sugden, F., 18 Feb 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: International Journal of River Basin Management. Latest Articles, 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Climate justice in land use planning: exploring the potential and challenges of nature-based solutions integration in Nigeria
Effiong, C. J., 1 Mar 2025, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 377, 12 p., 124717.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Air pollution and solid waste: promoting green and resilient recovery in Nigeria
Effiong, C. J., Kanu, E., Dhesi, S., Kuznetsova, I., Mahmoud, S., Al-Dadah, R. & Aziz, A. N., 14 Feb 2024, Building resilient and healthy cities: a guide to environmental sustainability and well-being. Pisello, A. L., Pigliautile, I., Lau, S. S. Y. & Clark, N. M. (eds.). Cham: Springer, p. 31-43 13 p. (Advances in science, technology & innovation).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
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Exploring loss and damage from climate change and global perspectives that influence response mechanism in vulnerable communities
Effiong, C. J., Musa Wakawa Zanna, J., Hannah, D. & Sugden, F., 4 Jan 2024, In: Sustainable Environment. 10, 1, 19 p., 2299549.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Land use planning and climate change adaptation in river-dependent communities in Nigeria
Effiong, C., Ngang, E. & Ekott, I., 1 Mar 2024, In: Environmental Development. 49, 15 p., 100970.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile