A new paper by Professor Elias Nankap Lamle of the University of Jos has spotlighted climate change as a key driver of violent conflict in Plateau State, urging government and stakeholders to integrate peacebuilding into climate adaptation strategies.

For decades, Plateau State has been plagued by farmer–herder clashes, banditry, and communal violence, often framed in ethnic or religious terms. The study, however, reveals that climate change—through desertification, erratic rainfall, and water scarcity—is forcing pastoralists southward while intensifying competition over land and water with farming communities.

“You can’t address violence in Plateau without addressing climate pressures. Desertification pushes herders south, Plateau’s fertile land pulls them in, and the result is unsustainable competition,” Prof. Lamle noted.

The paper emphasizes:

• Conflict-sensitive adaptation: Every climate project must undergo conflict analysis to avoid fueling divisions.
• Transparency in resource distribution: Elite capture of grazing reserves, irrigation schemes, or aid programs worsens mistrust.
• Inclusion of marginalized groups: Women, youth, and displaced persons hold vital knowledge and must be part of decision-making.
• Adaptation as peacebuilding: Shared challenges like reforestation, water management, and renewable energy can unite communities around collective solutions.

Examples cited include successful farmer–herder joint forums in Riyom and community-led reforestation in Bassa, which built both resilience and trust.

Prof. Lamle stresses that both the Plateau State and Nigerian federal governments must move from reactive security deployments to proactive climate-security strategies. Large-scale adaptation infrastructure should be supported federally, while state and local authorities facilitate inclusive dialogue and land management.

“Violence cannot be sustainably mitigated by force alone. Climate change is at the root, and peacebuilding must be mainstreamed into adaptation policies,” he said.

The study concludes that Plateau’s climate challenges can become opportunities for stability and cooperation if addressed through fair, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive adaptation.

Author: Prof. Elias Nankap Lamle, PhD (Leuven)
Center for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos
Lead Consultant, ISSD, NAP Global, NAP Nigeria