The Federal Government is making strides to connect climate adaptation with conflict sensitivity in its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). This initiative aims to tackle the growing climate-related vulnerabilities linked to insecurity in Nigeria.
At a recent forum in Abuja, Salihu Usman, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the need for approaches that consider local conflicts. He pointed out that issues like farmer-herder clashes and banditry are often heightened by climate change.
Usman stressed that overlooking these connections in adaptation planning could be a mistake. “Climate change and conflict often feed into each other,” he said, suggesting that effective adaptation measures could improve livelihoods and reduce insecurity.
He highlighted that strategies must consider conflict sensitivity, especially in unstable areas. By integrating peacebuilding into the NAP, the aim is to better support vulnerable communities.
Alec Crawford, Director at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, added another perspective. He noted that while National Adaptation Plans are usually seen as technical tasks, they play a crucial role in managing resources and setting priorities over the long term. In conflict-affected regions, adaptation often struggles for funding and attention, making integrated methods essential.
The climate crisis is urgent, with extreme weather events disrupting lives and ecosystems worldwide. Recent reports warn that without immediate action, these impacts will only worsen. According to a 2023 study by the United Nations, without adequate adaptation strategies, 1.2 billion people could face displacement due to climate-related factors by 2050.
Nigeria’s NAP will be backed by the Green Climate Fund and will include a vulnerability assessment to identify at-risk communities, aiming to pinpoint specific adaptation measures.
Experts underscore that while efforts to mitigate climate change are ongoing, adaptation is equally vital. It helps ensure that systems and communities can adjust without jeopardizing livelihoods or national security.
The recent forum gathered representatives from African governments, peacebuilding specialists, and development partners. Together, they explored how to weave conflict-sensitive approaches into resilience planning. This collaboration could pave the way for stronger climate adaptation measures in fragile contexts.
For more insights on climate adaptation and conflict sensitivity, you can check out the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Climate Change websites.
