The Women Environmental Programme (WEP) has trained no fewer than 200 farmers and livestock practitioners across Katsina and Benue states under its Sustainable Peace and Resilience (SPAR) Project, an intervention focused on reducing conflict and improving livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture.
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The Project Manager of WEP, Damaris Uja, disclosed this at the project’s closeout and learning adaptation workshop, noting that the initiative was designed to tackle the root causes of recurring clashes between farmers and herders while strengthening economic resilience in affected communities.
According to her, the beneficiaries were drawn equally from both states, with 50 farmers and 50 livestock practitioners selected in each location, while additional members of the communities benefited indirectly from knowledge transfer and shared resources.
Uja explained that the SPAR Project, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in collaboration with ActionAid and Tetra Tech, prioritised inclusive participation, ensuring that women and persons with disabilities were actively involved in all stages of implementation.
She said the programme introduced practical solutions such as mini-ranching systems and aquaponics farming, a model that integrates fish and vegetable production, aimed at diversifying income sources and improving food security.
“We trained beneficiaries on sustainable livestock management and climate-smart agricultural practices, including the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides, to enhance productivity and environmental safety,” Uja said.
She added that advocacy engagements were carried out at both state and community levels before the rollout of the project to secure the support of government officials and traditional institutions, a step she described as critical to ensuring ownership and long-term sustainability.
Uja expressed optimism that the adoption of mini-ranching would significantly reduce disputes over grazing routes and destruction of farmlands, which have historically driven tensions between pastoralists and farming communities.
“Though the project duration is short, we are confident that the structures and knowledge put in place will deliver long-term impact. The facilities established will serve as models for replication in other communities,” she said.
Also speaking, the Team Leader of the SPRING Programme and representative of Tetra Tech, Ukona Ukiwo, emphasised the importance of addressing the link between climate change and violent conflict, particularly in Nigeria’s rural regions.
He noted that the SPRING Programme, funded by the FCDO, reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development in Nigeria, adding that the initiative has been operational since 2024.
Ukiwo said the programme has worked closely with government agencies, security institutions and community stakeholders to strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms and build resilience among vulnerable populations.
“We have collaborated with relevant ministries to enhance policy development and improve responses to security challenges such as banditry,” he said.
He further disclosed that the programme supported capacity building for traditional leaders, women and youth on early warning systems and conflict response, while also contributing to institutional strengthening within key ministries.
According to him, SPRING has backed policy development efforts, including support for the Katsina Amnesty Initiative, as well as environmental regulations aimed at improving resource management and reducing tensions linked to land use.
Ukiwo added that partnerships with WEP enabled the establishment of demonstration farms and ranches that promote cooperation between farmers and pastoralists, reducing competition over land and water resources.
He also highlighted research supported by the programme on grazing routes, land use patterns and small arms proliferation, noting that findings have been shared with policymakers to guide evidence-based interventions.
Ukiwo observed that climate variability, including irregular rainfall, shifting vegetation and changing migration patterns, continues to place pressure on livelihoods and heighten the risk of conflict.
Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the outcomes of the programme, stating that community-driven approaches and applied learning models provide practical pathways for sustainable peace and conflict transformation.
