By: Benard Okereke
Inside a groundbreaking project that’s turning conflict over scarce resources into collaboration for a resilient future.
In Nigeria’s Middle Belt, the lines between a climate crisis and a conflict crisis are blurring. As fertile land and water become scarcer, competition intensifies, threatening the peace that communities in states like Benue and Plateau desperately need.
But what if the same forces driving tension could also fuel collaboration? This is the bold question at the heart of the BRIDGE Project (Building Resilient Communities: Integrated Climate Adaptation and Conflict Mitigation), implemented by The Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI).
We’re moving beyond theory and into action. Right now, our team is on the ground in Buruku, Bokkos, and Jos North, conducting a vital pulse check. This isn’t just a routine assessment; it’s a listening tour at the intersection of survival and harmony.
We’re Asking the People Who Know Best
Instead of just spreadsheets, we’re using conversations. Through focus group discussions and interviews with farmers, herders, women leaders, youth, and local authorities, we’re uncovering a ground-truth narrative. We’re learning:
- What’s working? Are the newly established Local Dialogue Platforms helping neighbours resolve disputes over water points?
- Where do we need to adapt? Is the training on climate-smart agriculture giving farmers real hope for the next harvest?
- How can action strengthen peace? Are Community-Based Early Warning Subcommittees preventing small clashes from escalating?
This gender-responsive listening process is designed to harvest actionable insights. The goal is simple: to amplify what works, quickly adjust what doesn’t, and ensure that every intervention is community-powered.
From Local Insights to Lasting Impact
The stories and data we gather won’t sit in a report. They are the direct fuel for our adaptive management. They will shape:
- Smarter Strategies: Informing our next steps to strengthen natural resource governance.
- Stronger Voices: Guiding how to better support community-led climate action that cools tensions.
- Inclusive Policies: Influencing dialogues with stakeholders to create a more resilient and peaceful foundation for all.
This quarter’s assessment is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to a core BRIDGE belief: lasting resilience is built when communities are empowered to lead both climate adaptation and peacebuilding, together.
Stay tuned as we share key findings from the front lines of resilience.
Follow our journey or learn more about CRADI’s work in building a more sustainable and peaceful future for Nigeria.