Tackling Climate Risks: Safeguarding Nigerian Pastoralists’ Livelihoods

Tackling Climate Risks: Safeguarding Nigerian Pastoralists’ Livelihoods

Nigeria is home to one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, making a significant contribution to its agricultural gross domestic product. However, the pastoral production system, which sustains millions of pastoralists, faces growing challenges due to the impacts of climate change.

Increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, desertification, and extreme weather events are disrupting pastoralists’ livelihoods, threatening food security, and destabilizing rural economies.

In response, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) collaborated with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano to hold a one-day workshop. This event was part of the CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration. The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the challenges pastoral communities face and identify strategies to build long-term resilience.

Unpacking Complex Risks

Workshop participants explored various risks affecting pastoralists, including climate change, insecurity, and economic instability.

Jibrin M. Jibrin, Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, delivered opening remarks that underscored the dire impact of climate change. He highlighted how regions like the Kano River Basin are witnessing declining agricultural productivity due to environmental degradation and other challenges.

“The urgency for innovative solutions to safeguard livelihoods and ensure resilience cannot be overstated,” Jibrin remarked.

Rupsha Banerjee, an institutions and innovation scientist at ILRI, shed light on the importance of understanding risks within specific social contexts. Her presentation stressed that different social groups experience risks in unique ways, requiring tailored approaches to address their needs.

Holistic Solutions for Multifaceted Challenges

ILRI senior economist Kelvin Shikuku emphasized that climate risks are intertwined with non-climate challenges such as pests, diseases, market instability, and conflict. He noted that these risks often reinforce one another, creating a complex web of vulnerabilities for pastoralists.

“Recognizing the diversity among social groups is crucial because risks affect them differently,” Shikuku explained. “Sometimes, a single solution is not enough; what’s needed is a combination of strategies that work together.”

The discussions highlighted the importance of both financial and non-financial interventions to mitigate risks. Stakeholders emphasized that community involvement and local expertise are critical to implementing these solutions effectively.

Toward a Resilient Future

The workshop identified key actions to support pastoral communities. These include improving access to climate-resilient grazing lands, establishing early warning systems for extreme weather, and promoting sustainable livestock management practices. Stakeholders also stressed the need for robust policies that address conflict resolution, strengthen markets, and support pastoralists in navigating uncertainties.

This collaborative effort marks an essential step in addressing the vulnerabilities of Nigerian pastoralists. By prioritizing innovative, inclusive, and context-specific solutions, stakeholders aim to safeguard livelihoods, enhance food security, and ensure a resilient future for millions of pastoral families.