Case 2: Nigeria

Source: UN University Centre for Policy Research, 2020

Author(s): Jessica Caus

Countries: Nigeria

Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes, Conflict Prevention, Disasters, Extractive Resources, Gender, Governance, Livelihoods, Renewable Resources

This case study explores the links between climate change and violent conflict in Nigeria. Acknowledging that the causal chains are often indirect and difficult to demonstrate with precision, the study investigates how environmental shifts may be feeding into the existing risk landscape. It focuses particularly on: (1) resource pressures around the farmerherder conflicts; (2) how livelihoods may be driving recruitment into armed groups; and (3) population movements and displacement.222 Based on an extensive literature review, interviews with Nigerian and external researchers and discussions with a range of UN officials, the study examines the Government and the UN’s responses to these emerging risks and offers an empirical and analytic basis for improving the UN’s prevention work.