An organisation under the platform of Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA), held a multi-stakeholders sensitisation engagement to drive climate resilience and mitigate conflict in Plateau communities.

Our correspondent reports that the initiative is geared towards empowering women for climate resilience and conflict prevention in Plateau State.

The project was funded by the United Nation Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and is currently being implemented by GRA which has a two years timeline, targeting 200 women within Jos North and Jos South local government areas.

GRA Executive Director, Friday Bitrus revealed that when we look at climate change and its effects on peace in communities, we can see that it affects rainfall patterns, including the timing and volume of rainfall.

"In Plateau State, for instance, particularly Jos North and Jos South, rainfall patterns have changed significantly compared with what we experienced about two decades ago.

"As a result of climate change, a large amount of rainfall can occur within a short period in a particular geographical area, leading to sudden flooding that washes away farmers' crops and damages farmland.

"In some cases, water may flow over the land and drain away quickly without sufficient time for the soil to retain moisture. This can contribute to land degradation and reduced soil moisture, affecting agricultural productivity.

"Pastoralists also depend on natural resources, particularly water and grazing land, to sustain their livestock. When these resources become scarce, they may move to other locations in search of water and pasture", Bitrus stated.
Giving an overview of the project, Programme Director, Deborah Shedrach confirmed the project targets 200 women across four communities in Jos North and Jos South local government areas. 

"These communities are Faringada and Angwan Rogo in Jos North, while Gyel and Anglo-Jos in Jos South. We are targeting 50 women in each community, making a total of 200 women.

"We are also targeting 100 community stakeholders, comprising 25 people from each community. These stakeholders include traditional, religious and youth leaders.

"The idea is to build the capacity of these women on climate-related issues because climate change is taking a serious toll on our activities and putting pressure on both human and natural resources."

Highlighting the significance of multi stakeholder mandate for peace, GRA technical consultant, Timothy Ali Yohanna, described traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors as well as youths as the key drivers of values orientation.

A participant, Da Bitrus Pam, said the interface is timely and eye opener for them to go back and continue casketing the knowledge learnt in their various communities.

He said Climate change is affecting our communities because things are no longer the way they used to be. 

"The population has increased. In the past, our communities were not as populated as they are today. Therefore, I believe it is urgent to find ways to support communities and strengthen their capacity to cope with these changes", he acknowledged.