We’re Investing In Climate-Smart Solutions For Benue Communities- NGO

A non-governmental organisation, International Alert, has commenced the sensitisation of communities in Benue State on the dangers and negative impact of climate change, through the introduction of agro-friendly practices that will reduce conflict.

The senior project officer, International Alert Nigeria, Kengkeng Ati, made this known during the inauguration of the Benue State Project Steering Committee on Climate Action and Peace Building, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. He said the organisation is investing In Climate-Smart Solutions For Benue Communities.

He explained that the responsibility of the committee is to supervise, give oversight, recommendations, and strategic direction for effective delivery.

According to him, “The organization, in collaboration with local partners and the state government, is working assiduously to address conflicts created by climate stress, especially in communities with low rainfall, dried water beds, and similar challenges, to mitigate the impact of climate change on citizens.”

Ati disclosed that the committee will also look into the issues of climate-induced conflicts and promote peace through community dialogue.

“We are not simply urging communities to cease hostilities; we are investing in climate-smart solutions that offer livelihood options and alleviate tensions for community members.”

He enumerated some of the Climate change challenges faced by Benue communities  to include ,reduced rainfall, drying water sources, declining soil fertility, and abnormal weather patterns, even as he called for urgent need to address these issues to prevent further disputes over land and resources.

Ati said, “Some of the measures put in place by International Alert to mitigate climate-change conflict include climate hubs, drilling of boreholes, and construction of fish ponds, among many other strategies that will help build peace among communities”

“We are implementing this project in collaboration with the Benue State Council on Climate Change. We are also empowering local communities to ensure the sustainability of the climate hubs beyond the project’s one-year duration.”

The main focus of this project is to raise awareness about climate change, develop local peace and adaptation plans, so that government policies, legislation, and funding will help in sustainable livelihoods to reduce conflict triggers.

He encouraged Benue communities to embrace new technologies and transition from conflict-prone systems to a more peaceful and prosperous future.

In a presentation titled “Powering Peace Through Climate Action Project Phase II,” Ati shared insights from the first phase, confirming it had successfully united communities and resolved resource-related conflicts through climate-conflict analysis.

He said, “The project, targeting communities in Makurdi, Agatu, and Gwer-West LGAs, will focus on sustaining conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation efforts across diverse stakeholders.”

The chairman of the Steering Committee, who is also the Director-General of the SDGs Office in Benue State, Sir John Akuse, pledged unwavering dedication and commitment to support the project team.

Earlier, the director general of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Josephine Haba, alongside representatives of other organisations, also promised support and affirmed their commitment to achieving the goals set by the Project Steering Committee.