Is Climate Change Increasing Conflict between Farmers and Herders in Nigeria? - Peace News Network
Is Climate Change Increasing Conflict between Farmers and Herders in Nigeria? - Peace News Network
Climate change has forced many Fulani herders to move south, into a region of Nigeria known as the “Middle Belt”. Conflict between the Fulani and Hausa farmers has been increasing in recent years, leading to outbreaks of violence. Peace News explores the drivers of this conflict, including the impact of climate change, and speaks with peacebuilders on the ground, working to address the issue and bridge the divide between the two communities.
Mohammed Ibrahim
Mohammed is a multimedia freelance journalist in Kaduna State, Nigeria. He graduated from the International Institute of Journalism Abuja. In 2016 Mohammed received the Courage in Journalism Award for his investigative reporting, from the Africa Media Development Foundation.
Marta Morais
Marta is a video producer from Lisbon, Portugal, currently based in the UK. She holds a BA(Hons) in Digital Film Production from the University of Suffolk. Marta's work portfolio covers a range of topics, from women's empowerment stories to future technologies, focusing on documentary filmmaking. Marta's contributions to Peace News Network align with her dedication to sharing stories that promote peace and understanding globally.
Related Knowledge Center: Climate economics
Climate change is now a driver of the world’s economy. The impact is profound:
- Catastrophic weather events — hurricanes, floods, droughts, high temperatures — are more frequent and more extreme. The cost can be measured in both the initial damage caused and the longer-term impact on the economy.
- Vulnerable communities are increasing climate-related investments, hardening infrastructure and taking other protective measures.
- Investment in carbon capture and storage technologies is increasingly rapidly.
- Governments are making investments and crafting regulations to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
On top of all of this is the cost of uncertainty. As the Fourth National Climate Assessment, released in 2018 by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, says, “The assumption that current and future climate conditions will resemble the recent past is no longer valid.”