In the heart of Benue State, Nigeria, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. The Jukun and Tiv tribes, long divided by conflicts over land and limited natural resources, are writing a new chapter of unity and shared prosperity.
For generations, these two communities lived side by side, yet worlds apart. For Jukuns, harvesting, smoking and selling fish to other communities was fundamental to sustaining their livelihoods. Tivs, in turn, relied on land and water from the rivers and ponds to cultivate crops and raise small livestock and cattle.
Disputes over access to land and water had regularly turned violent, underpinned by issues of identity and justice. Climate change was increasing these stresses and worsening resource conflicts. Cutting trees to power fish smoking ovens threatened the local ecosystem and made the remaining shared resources more scarce. However, the growing and shared issues brought about by climate change also gave an opportunity for dialogue and empowerment.
Now, after a range of training offered by Alert and local partners, the two tribes are mastering sustainable agriculture and innovative farming techniques. They have also agreed on a shared plan for using limited resources and generating stable employment opportunities and income.
The transformation was not just social but economic. To implement their shared plan, the communities received climate adaptation funding. A small factory rose from the ground, turning agricultural waste such as maize stalks and rice chaff into eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. Fish smoking ovens, now fueled by this charcoal instead of wood, began producing a prized commodity. New collapsible fishponds, carefully situated on agreed sites, became symbols of cooperation rather than contention.
With sustainable charcoal production ramping up, increased sales to nearby communities once again offered economic opportunity. The Tivs and Jukuns celebrated their first joint harvest of fish as a testament to their collective efforts.
Underpinning this success, the Tiv and Jukun leaders established and registered a new cooperative with the Benue State Ministry of Rural Development. The cooperative coordinates market access to enhance bargaining power and manages income streams to sustain future initiatives.
This is more than a story of resource management. By empowering communities to take the lead on their peace and adaptation efforts, Fiidi’s example is a reminder that despite historical divisions, resource conflicts and environmental pressures, there is always a path to unity.
The Powering Peace through Climate Action Project is implemented with support from Irish Aid.
