Katsina Officials Train on Climate, Natural Resource, Conflict Management
By Joe Goddy, Katsina
Government officials in Katsina State have begun a two-day training on commu how tonity-based natural resource management aimed at strengthening climate resilience, preventing conflicts, and improving governance of environmental resources.
The training which commenced on Monday at Katsina Guest Inn is part of the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) Programme, a European Union-funded initiative implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
The programme builds on the earlier Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and is designed to promote long-term peace and socio-economic stability across conflict-affected communities in Northwest Nigeria.
Speaking on the objectives of the exercise, the Mercy Corps coordinator, Philip Ikita said the training focuses on Community Social Development Resource Management (CSDRM), an approach that integrates natural resource management with economic development to reduce conflicts and improve livelihoods.
According to him, participants are being equipped with practical skills to address disputes linked to climate-affected resources such as water, forests, grazing land, and desertification through analysis, mapping, advocacy, and conflict-sensitive planning.
The initiative targets government officials because of their critical role in policy formulation, resource allocation, institutional coordination, and implementation of development programmes.
Mercy Corps noted that climate change and environmental degradation have intensified competition over natural resources, contributing to insecurity and economic hardship in many communities.
The organisation said the training seeks to strengthen officials’ understanding of the relationship between climate change, conflict, and livelihoods while promoting conflict-sensitive governance through the application of Do-No-Harm, environmental peacebuilding, and mediation approaches.
Participants are also expected to improve collaboration among government ministries, departments, local government councils, and community structures to enhance coordinated responses to environmental and security challenges.
The CPCRR Programme is currently being implemented in 48 communities across 10 local government areas in Katsina and Zamfara states. In Katsina, Mercy Corps leads activities in Batsari, Danmusa, Jibia, Kankara, Dandume, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Safana local government areas.
Beyond capacity building, the programme supports inclusive dialogue, strengthens community mechanisms for conflict prevention, enhances resilience to climate-related shocks, and implements Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to improve community development.
He expressed confidence that the training would enable government institutions to better integrate climate security into development planning, manage natural resources more effectively, and implement policies that promote peace, resilience, and sustainable socio-economic development.
