Climate Change and Conflict in the Sahel: A Policy Brief on Findings from Niger and Burkina Faso

The region's vulnerability to climate change is closely linked to the threat of conflict. In 2012, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) established the Sahel Joint Planning Cell (JPC) to address the humanitarian, development, and security concerns of the international community. The JPC aims to reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, thereby enhancing the resilience of target populations. In Niger, weak governance and rural livelihoods are major concerns. The country's rural population relies heavily on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate variability. The Nigerien Movement for Justice (NMJ) has been involved in farmer-herder conflicts, which are often linked to competition for resources. The Rural Code, a key policy framework, has not been fully implemented, leaving many rural communities without access to basic services. In Burkina Faso, the erosion of stability is a pressing concern. Climate variability and livelihood vulnerability are major issues, with many communities relying on agriculture and livestock production. The artisanal gold mining boom has led to increased migration and land conflicts, further exacerbating the situation. The country's rural population is highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks, which can have devastating impacts on food security and livelihoods. The relationship between climate change and conflict in the Sahel is complex and indirect. While climate change can contribute to conflict, it is not the sole cause. Conflict is a multidimensional phenomenon that depends on the interplay of context-specific institutional, economic, social, and historical factors. Efforts to create or strengthen resilience may help to reduce conflict, while the presence of conflict can impede or even preclude the implementation of initiatives to increase resilience. In Niger, the implementation of the Rural Code is crucial to addressing the root causes of conflict. Strengthening the capacity of local authorities and improving access to basic services are essential to enhancing resilience. In Burkina Faso, addressing the artisanal gold mining boom and promoting sustainable livelihoods are critical to reducing migration and land conflicts. The findings of this report highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex relationships between climate change, conflict, and resilience in the Sahel. Efforts to enhance resilience must be tailored to the specific context and needs of each country, taking into account the interplay of institutional, economic, social, and historical factors. By promoting sustainable livelihoods, improving access to basic services, and strengthening local capacities, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of conflict and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations in the Sahel.