Addressing Resource Conflicts Through Climate-sensitive Approaches In Benue State

In the heart of Benue State, Nigeria, communities once divided by conflict are reaping the rewards of peace. Two months after signing historic peace accords, the Jukun and Tiv tribes, as well as the Ogba, Ologba, and Ekaida communities in Agatu Local Government Area, have made remarkable progress in rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration.

The peace agreement, facilitated by International Alert in partnership with the Benue State Peace Commission and local community-based organizations, was part of the Powering Peace through Climate Action Project. Since embracing peace, these communities have seen the transformative impact of climate-sensitive initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of their conflicts over land and natural resources.

According to the Senior Programme Officer of Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative, Mr Isaac Kugber, key achievements include the establishment of a briquette-making factory and the provision of industrial-level fish kiln machines, reducing the need for deforestation to fuel fish-smoking ovens. Solar-powered boreholes with 15,000-liter capacities now support drip irrigation farming, ensuring sustainable water use while boosting agricultural productivity. Communities have also benefited from a biogas plant, clean cooking gas, and a weather station, enhancing their resilience to climate change.

These projects, alongside shared access to fish ponds and sustainable farming practices, have not only addressed resource scarcity but also provided stable employment and income opportunities. Community members now work collaboratively, mastering innovative agricultural techniques and jointly managing limited resources, a testament to the power of dialogue and shared goals in conflict resolution.

The journey to peace was not without challenges. For years, disputes over land and water had escalated into violent clashes, exacerbated by climate change and dwindling natural resources. However, the shared adversities brought on by climate stresses created an opportunity for dialogue and empowerment. With guidance from International Alert and support from Irish Aid, community-based organizations like Kende-Avese Foundation, Angel Support Foundation, and Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative facilitated long negotiations that culminated in the peace agreements.

“These agreements are a testament to the social transformations and shared positive impacts that transparent, participatory, and inclusive approaches can enable in communities affected by conflict,” said Dr. Paul Bemshima Nyulaku, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria.

The project highlights the immense opportunities that peacebuilding approaches to climate action and finance can create in vulnerable, conflict-affected communities. By prioritizing collaboration and sustainability, the Jukun, Tiv, Ogba, Ologba, and Ekaida communities are not just recovering from conflict but thriving. Their journey serves as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, proving that peace and climate adaptation can go hand in hand.