Winning the Peace: Peacebuiding and Climate Change in Mali and Somalia
Publisher: DanChurchAid, Norwegian Church Aid, and ACT Alliance
Author(s): Hannah Grene, Sidi Guindo, Amadou Guindo, Abdourahamane Kamagnagou, Abdullahi Rashi Abdullahi, and Alma Mølset Andersen
Date: 2020
Topics: Climate Change, Cooperation, Livelihoods
Countries: Mali, Somalia
In this research in Mali and Somalia, the authors set out to explore how ordinary people are experiencing the combined effects of climate change and conflict. The situation for men and women in Somalia and Mali, right now, is dire. As temperatures continue to rise, even worse catastrophes will occur. And yet, the respondents reported few adaptation measures in their communities. This points to the need to better align and integrate peacebuilding and climate adaptation measures. Can climate change adaptation become a tool for peace? This study sought to explore this at local community level, asking people about their experience with adaptation measures, and what had worked well, or what could work well, in reconciling different groups of people. The conclusion was that, provided the right conditions were met, adaptation measures could have the potential to further peace and reconciliation. On the basis of this research, the authors have four principal recommendations. (1) Governments and donors need to urgently prioritise conflict sensitive climate change adaptation measures for the most vulnerable, especially in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. (2) Climate change adaptation should be locally led, with decision-making devolved to local committees where possible. (3) Implementers should ensure the involvement of women, youth and vulnerable people in decision-making, using locally appropriate strategies to overcome discrimination. (4) Implementing partners should strive to ensure that all groups, including the most vulnerable, understand more clearly their role in the process.