Leaders from five communities in Farin Gada have committed to new steps to protect their environment and prevent conflict.
The commitment followed a one-day sensitization workshop organized by Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA) with funding from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF). The project is titled Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Conflict Prevention in Plateau State and focuses on putting communities at the center of climate and peace solutions.
The training was held at Ra’ni Suites Ltd, Jos, and brought together 20 traditional rulers, youth leaders and religious leaders from Angwan Jarawa Galadima, Farin Gada Central, Down Base, ECWA Staff and Kwana Soja.
What the communities are facing
Instead of a lecture, GRA facilitated an open discussion where leaders described what they are seeing on their farms and in their neighborhoods.
According to them, water sources that used to flow year-round are now drying quickly, rains no longer come when expected, and the heat is more intense. This has led to:
– Loss of topsoil and poor soil quality
– Drop in crop yields and farm income- Fewer farmers able to do irrigation during dry season
– Threat to food security at household level
– Herders and farmers clashes
– Cattle encroachment
Leaders agreed that when water and farmland become scarce, struggle for resources increases, and that struggle can lead to misunderstanding and conflict if not managed early.
The session therefore linked climate change directly to livelihoods and peace. The way forward, they discussed, is better preparation, careful management of natural resources, and solutions designed by the communities themselves.
Four Resolutions from Farin Gada. At the close of the meeting, the 20 leaders made four joint pledges:
1. Practice inclusive leadership – ensuring women and youth are part of decisions.
2. Back the Community-Based Action Plans (CBAPs) developed by their people.
3. Set up early warning and local monitoring to detect environmental and conflict risks early.
4. Commit community resources to implement the action plans.
Participants thanked GRA and UNDEF for taking the workshop to the grassroots, saying the knowledge was timely and practical.
The intervention is part of GRA’s wider effort to empower women, strengthen traditional institutions, and build lasting peace through climate-smart solutions in Plateau State.
#GRA #UNDEF #FarinGada #PlateauState #ClimateAction
