NIGERIAN VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE IN THE AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE, IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examines the role of vernacular architecture in Adamawa State, Nigeria, within the context of accelerating climate change. Traditional building methods, utilizing locally available materials such as mud, thatch, stone, and timber, have historically provided affordable, sustainable, and climate-responsive housing solutions adapted to the region's tropical climate. However, the combined pressures of urbanization, changing cultural preferences, and increasing climate risks—including severe flooding, extreme heat events, and material scarcity—are eroding these practices and threatening their continued relevance. The research employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, collecting data through structured questionnaires (N=34), semi-structured interviews with traditional leaders and builders, focus group discussions with community members and students, and field observations across three strategically selected Local Government Areas: Yola North, Ganye, and Mubi. These locations represent diverse climatic conditions (semi-arid, savanna, and montane) and cultural traditions within Adamawa State. Key findings reveal that climate change significantly impacts vernacular structures: 70% of respondents identified flooding as the primary threat causing wall erosion and structural collapse, while extreme temperature variations cause cracking in mud-brick walls. Despite these vulnerabilities, the study documents emerging community-led adaptation strategies, including the production of burnt rather than sun-dried bricks (improving water resistance by approximately 40%), integration of concrete foundations with mud superstructures, application of termite-resistant treatments to timber, and hybrid roofing systems combining thatch with metal underlayers. Notably, 90% of respondents strongly agreed that vernacular techniques remain valuable for climate adaptation, thermal comfort, and cultural identity. The research identifies critical barriers to adoption: negative social perceptions associating traditional housing with poverty (cited by 65% of respondents), declining availability of local materials due to urbanization and deforestation, and government policies favoring modern construction methods. However, successful hybrid examples exist in culturally significant structures such as the Lamido's Palace, where traditional decorative elements coexist with modern mechanical systems and reinforced foundations. The study concludes that vernacular architecture in Adamawa State is not obsolete but evolving, offering a foundation for climate-resilient design when appropriately adapted. Recommendations include policy reforms to incorporate vernacular methods in building codes, establishment of material banks for local resources, community awareness campaigns to reframe traditional housing as culturally and environmentally valuable, and further research into the long-term performance of hybrid construction techniques. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable architecture in sub-Saharan Africa and provides practical pathways for preserving cultural heritage while addressing contemporary climate challenges. Keywords: Vernacular Architecture, Climate Change Adaptation, Adamawa State, Nigeria, Traditional Building, Sustainable Design, Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Resilience