Crisis at the crossroads: Climate, peace, and security in the Sahel

The Sahel is at the heart of a crisis exacerbated by extreme climatic conditions, which amplify intercommunal conflicts and accelerate population displacements. This region, encompassing countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited natural resources. In a concerted effort to address these pressing issues, key organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (PNUD), the Integrated Development Authority for the Liptako-Gourma region (ALG), and the CGIAR have collaborated to bolster national climate security efforts across the region.

Prolonged droughts and irregular floods directly impact livelihoods, reducing agricultural productivity and limiting access to potable water. In response to these challenges, regional initiatives, such as the climate security workshops held in Bamako and Ouagadougou and the efforts of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, seek to integrate conflict prevention, peace-responsive strategies, and climate resilience into development and climate action policies. These programs, supported by the CGIAR initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration, aim to promote increased cross-border cooperation and implement sustainable solutions that address root causes of conflict, catering to both the immediate emergencies and the long-term needs of affected communities. The emphasis on integrated natural resource management is pivotal for ensuring future regional stability.