Empowering communities and building climate resilience.

Across many communities in North Central Nigeria, climate change is intensifying pressure on land, livelihoods, and natural resources. Erratic rainfall, flooding, and drought are disrupting farming cycles and reducing productivity, increasing competition over scarce resources and raising the risk of conflict. At the same time, some marginalised communities remain excluded from climate adaptation planning and local decision-making processes.

With support from the SPRiNG Programme, the CREST Research and Development Institute (CRADI) is helping communities in Benue and Plateau States strengthen climate resilience while promoting inclusive governance and social cohesion. By combining climate awareness, practical training, and collective environmental action, the initiative empowers communities to adapt to climate challenges and reduce conflict risks.

Intervention Highlights

CRADI implemented a community-driven approach that prioritises participation, equity, and locally relevant solutions. In Benue State, the project worked to integrate marginalised groups—such as the Etulo community in Buruku LGA—into climate adaptation planning and decision-making processes. Through engagement with traditional leaders and multi-stakeholder consultations, previously excluded communities gained access to climate resilience interventions and local dialogue platforms.

In Plateau State, the focus was on building practical knowledge and encouraging collective environmental action. Communities in Bokkos LGA received training on climate risks, soil fertility management, erosion control, mixed farming systems, and sustainable land management practices.

Participants were also encouraged to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices such as planting economic trees—including guava, mango, and banana—which provide both livelihood benefits and environmental protection through soil retention, erosion prevention, and heat mitigation.

Key Achievements

• Marginalised communities integrated into climate adaptation planning and decision-making processes

• Climate resilience awareness training delivered across multiple communities in Benue and Plateau States

• Farmers trained in climate-smart practices, including soil conservation, mixed farming, and erosion control

• Community-led tree planting initiatives launched to promote sustainable land use

• Improved participation of excluded groups, including the Etulo community, in climate and governance platforms

• Local beneficiaries empowered as peer advocates for climate adaptation and environmental protection

Impact

CRADI’s intervention demonstrates that effective climate resilience strategies must combine technical knowledge with inclusive participation. By empowering communities to understand climate risks and take collective action, the project not only improves environmental sustainability but also strengthens social cohesion.

Communities that once viewed environmental activities purely as economic opportunities are now recognising their role in long-term resilience and conflict prevention. By ensuring marginalised groups have a voice in planning and decision-making, the initiative promotes fairer resource management and more durable peace.

Read the full case study to explore how SPRiNG and CRADI are helping communities build climate resilience while strengthening inclusion and cooperation across North Central Nigeria.