August 28, 2024
By Okafor Joseph Afam

In a significant address to the National Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has raised alarm over the escalating farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria, attributing the surge in violence to the worsening effects of climate change. His remarks have sparked renewed discussions on the need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes of these conflicts, which have become increasingly deadly and widespread.

Speaker Abbas noted that Nigeria’s rural areas are experiencing unprecedented environmental changes, driven by global warming and climate instability. “The patterns of rainfall and temperature are no longer predictable,” Abbas said. “Our farmers and herders, who rely on the environment for their livelihoods, are facing new challenges that threaten their survival. This is not just a local problem; it’s a national crisis that demands urgent action.”

Impact of Climate Change on Rural Livelihoods

The Speaker elaborated on how climate change has drastically altered the natural environment in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. Prolonged droughts, desertification, and unpredictable weather patterns have reduced the availability of fertile land and water sources, pushing herders to migrate in search of grazing land. “As the desert encroaches further south, herders are compelled to move into areas traditionally farmed by local communities. This migration, driven by necessity, often leads to conflicts over land and water,” Abbas explained.

These conflicts have become more frequent and severe as resources continue to dwindle. Farmers, already struggling with reduced crop yields due to erratic weather, are often unwilling to share their land with migrating herders. This competition has led to violent clashes, resulting in loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of property.

Speaker Abbas highlighted the scale of the problem, noting that these conflicts are no longer isolated incidents but have spread across multiple states, threatening national security. “What was once a localized issue has now escalated into a widespread conflict, affecting the stability of entire regions. The violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless others. It is a humanitarian disaster in the making,” he warned.

Calls for a National Strategy

In his speech, Speaker Abbas called for the development of a national strategy to address the dual challenges of climate change and farmer-herder conflicts. He proposed a multi-faceted approach that includes sustainable land management, investment in climate-resilient agriculture, and enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities.

“We must rethink our approach to land use and agricultural practices,” Abbas urged. “This includes implementing policies that promote sustainable land management, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and water harvesting. We must also support our farmers and herders with access to climate-resilient seeds, improved irrigation techniques, and alternative livelihoods to reduce their dependence on shrinking natural resources.”

He also emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue between farmers and herders to rebuild trust and prevent further violence. “Dialogue is key to resolving these conflicts. We need to establish platforms where farmers and herders can come together to discuss their grievances and negotiate peaceful solutions. This will require the involvement of traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies at all levels.”

Legislative and International Support

Speaker Abbas pledged that the National Assembly would play a proactive role in addressing these issues through legislation. He assured that lawmakers would work on enacting laws that promote sustainable development and enhance the resilience of rural communities to climate change. “Our legislative agenda will prioritize bills that support sustainable agriculture, land reform, and environmental protection. We will also ensure that our security forces are adequately equipped to respond to these conflicts and protect our citizens,” he stated.

In addition to domestic efforts, Abbas called for international support in tackling the challenges posed by climate change and farmer-herder conflicts. He urged Nigeria’s development partners to assist with funding, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives. “Climate change is a global issue, and its impacts are being felt across the world. We need the support of the international community to implement our strategies and achieve sustainable peace and development in our rural areas,” he appealed.

A National Priority

Concluding his address, Speaker Abbas reiterated that the issue of farmer-herder conflicts, exacerbated by climate change, should be treated as a national priority. He stressed that failure to act could lead to further destabilization of the country and a deepening of the humanitarian crisis. “The time to act is now. We cannot afford to ignore the warning signs. We must come together as a nation to find lasting solutions to these challenges and secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Abbas declared.

The Speaker’s address has been widely praised by lawmakers and stakeholders for bringing attention to a critical issue that has long been a source of tension in Nigeria. As the country grapples with the effects of climate change, the call for a coordinated and comprehensive response has never been more urgent.