Climate Change, Land and Resource Governance, and Violent Extremism: Spotlight on the African Sahel
Publisher: Tetra Tech
Author(s): Mark Freudenberger, Jolyne Sanjak, Nicholas Tagliarino, and Nigel Thomson
Date: 2019
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes, Conflict Prevention, Land
Countries: Nigeria, Sahel
Focusing on the African Sahel, this issue brief examines the ways in which weak land and resource governance—especially when coupled with environmental triggers, resource scarcity, and other factors—can in some cases fuel the drivers of violent extremism. The complex relationships among the drivers and consequences of weak land governance, climate change dynamics, and violent extremism are highlighted using a schematic framework, and supporting literature. Examples from across the African Sahel and a more detailed case review of northern Nigeria are presented to illustrate how these complex relationships, in conjunction with other factors such as violent conflict, youth marginalization, and corruption, have contributed to the emergence and spread of violent extremism. We conclude by arguing that, in addition to interventions aimed at building peace, promoting democratic governance, and addressing political economy issues, local solutions for strengthening land governance systems and securing tenure rights for vulnerable peoples can prove effective in resolving deep-seated conflicts, reestablishing trust among contending parties, and creating positive entry points for addressing violent extremism. This brief recommends that land governance-focused interventions should include measures that involve (1) adopting multifaceted, coordinated approaches; (2) recognizing and strengthening customary tenure systems; (3) promoting flexibility within land administration institutions; (4) bolstering dispute resolution mechanisms to address land and resource related conflicts; (5) critically reviewing and reforming land and resource laws and policies; and (6) exploring new issues related to violent extremism. From our experience in the field, we believe local solutions for improving land governance can promote greater stability, resiliency, and prosperity across the Sahel and other volatile regions. More broadly, our framework suggests ways in which the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donors may design and implement integrated multi-sectorial programs to fulfill broader democratic, economic, environmental, and peacebuilding objectives—that incorporate land governance measures. Sequencing interventions in a manner that effectively addresses the various dimensions of nested conflicts is critical for programmatic success and sustainability.