Stakeholders in peace-building, humanitarian, and development sectors in Sokoto State have stressed the urgent need to integrate climate-sensitive strategies into conflict resolution.
The consensus emerged during the inaugural meeting of the Sokoto State Project Steering Committee for the Powering Peace through Climate Action II (PPCA) Project on Wednesday in Sokoto.
The initiative is being led by International Alert Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, with financial and technical support from Irish Aid.
Participants highlighted that climate-sensitive conflict approaches prioritize understanding the links between climate change and conflict, enabling policymakers to address both challenges effectively and prevent escalation in vulnerable communities.
They noted that adopting climate-sensitive adaptation strategies could mitigate climate-related conflicts, promote sustainable peace, enhance development, and strengthen resilience in communities most affected by climate impacts.
The District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar-Jabbi, emphasized the importance of a joint strategy addressing climate and conflict challenges at national, state, and community levels for a coordinated response. He urged conflict-sensitive policymaking that recognizes the root causes of conflict and responds proactively, noting that climate change exacerbates gender-based violence, poverty, social decay, and declining educational standards.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on donor agencies, Shehu Gwaranyo, commended International Alert for the project and reiterated the state government’s commitment to tackling climate change as a global challenge. He stressed that addressing climate impacts requires coordinated action by government, civil society, international partners, and citizens to achieve lasting solutions and sustainable development outcomes.
Senior Project Officer for International Alert, Mr. Sanusi Audu, said the meeting brought stakeholders together to discuss insecurity challenges in Sokoto, noting that climate change is drying grazing areas, reducing farming productivity, and threatening food security.
Audu explained that reduced resources create competition among occupational groups, such as herders and farmers, escalating mostly resource-based conflicts. He added that addressing insecurity without considering climate drivers allows underlying issues to fester, making climate-sensitive approaches essential for long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
