The European Union (EU) has trained state and local government officials in Katsina on conflict-sensitive natural resource management to promote peace and reduce climate-related conflicts.
The training was organized under the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) programme, funded by the European Union (EU).
The exercise is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Speaking at the opening of the two-day training on Monday in Katsina, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, said the programme was aimed at equipping government officials with skills to better manage natural resources and prevent conflicts.
Bakori, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abdulhamid Garba-Sabuwa, said climate change, shrinking water sources and declining grazing land had increased disputes and threatened livelihoods across communities.
He said the local government officials have a critical role to play in promoting peaceful management of land, water and grazing resources through conflict-sensitive approaches.
According to him, the training will expose participants to the Do-No-Harm principle, environmental peace building and mediation to improve planning and decision-making.
Bakori urged participants to make good use of the training and apply the knowledge in their respective communities.
He commended the EU, Mercy Corps, IOM and CDD for supporting efforts to strengthen peace, resilience and sustainable development in Katsina.
Earlier, Mr Phillip Ikita, the Mercy Corps Programme Manager, said the CPCRR Programme sought to reinforce peace and socio-economic stability in Northwest Nigeria through inclusive, locally led and sustainable interventions.
He said that the programme was being implemented in 48 communities across 10 Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Katsina states, to address the root causes of conflict, strengthen community resilience and promote socio-economic recovery.
Ikita explained that the training was designed to strengthen government officials’ understanding of climate security, conflict-sensitive governance and sustainable resource management.
He added that it would also enhance institutional coordination among government agencies and equip officials with skills to translate environmental challenges into practical policies that promote peace, resilience and sustainable development.
According to him, government officials play a strategic role in shaping policies, allocating resources and coordinating institutions, making their capacity critical to reducing conflicts over land, water and grazing resources.
Ikita said the programme would also support local governments to improve access to critical services and build the capacity to sustain community development projects while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The training attracted officials from relevant state ministries, departments and agencies as well as local government councils across Katsina State. (NAN).
