Preamble/Introduction
JOS, NIGERIA — The Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA), in partnership with the Peace & Climate Empowerment Initiative (PACE) and supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), today officially announced the launch of a revolutionary two-year project: “Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Conflict Prevention in Plateau State, Nigeria”.
Supported by grant under UNDEF’s 19th Funding Round, this strategic initiative directly responds to recurring farmer-herder tensions intensified by climate change, erratic rainfall, and shrinking natural resources across Plateau State.
Putting Women at the Center of Peace and Climate Governance
Focusing on four key target communities—Angwan Rogo and Farin Gada in Jos North LGA, alongside Bukuru and Anglo Jos in Jos South LGA—the project aims to place women at the forefront of local decision-making, early warning conflict response, and climate adaptation planning. While women bear the heaviest burden of resource scarcity and localized conflict, they historically hold less than 5% of formal decision-making positions in Nigeria. This initiative bridges that critical gap by building local leadership, institutionalizing community-led frameworks, and funding grassroots adaptation solutions.
“For long-term peace to take root in Plateau State, “those most affected by climate stress must have a seat at the decision-making table,” said Friday Bitrus, Executive Director at Grassroots Researchers Association. “By equipping women with mediation, advocacy, and climate adaptation tools, we are transforming passive observers into active negotiators and community leaders.”
Key Project Components & Expected Deliverables
Over its 24-month lifecycle (July 2026 – June 2028), the project will execute a three-tiered strategic approach:
Outcome 1: Leadership & Capacity Building
- 200 Women Leaders trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), climate adaptation strategies, and legislative advocacy.
- 100 Traditional, Community, & Youth Leaders sensitized to integrate gender-inclusive approaches into land and resource mediation.
- 4 Multi-Stakeholder Advocacy Platforms established, backed by 40 core platform members trained in policy drafting.
Outcome 2: Policy & Framework Institutionalization
- Co-designing Community-Based Action Protocols (CBAPs) to regulate resource-sharing, water access, and land usage fairly.
- Rollout of Early Warning and Response (EWR) digital monitoring mechanisms to detect risk signals and prevent resource violence before it escalates.
- Adoption of 4 gender-responsive local policy instruments into formal Local Government Unit (LGU) structures.
Outcome 3: Grassroots Action & Micro-Grant Investment
- Hosting public policy dialogues and securing signed implementation pledges from Ward Councillors and traditional leaders.
- Facilitating 12 women-led community mediation sessions and managing joint farmer-herder resource registries.
- Deploying $10,000 in direct community micro-grants to fund pilot climate adaptation projects, including small-scale solar early-warning kits and community water installations.
Broad Stakeholder Alignment & Engagement
The project brings together over 915 direct beneficiaries, including vulnerable groups, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), host communities, ethnic minorities, female-headed households, media partners, and local governance officials. By working closely with local peace committees and traditional custodians of land, the project ensures deep-rooted community ownership and sustainable post-grant continuity.
About the Partners
- United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF):Entrusted by the UN Secretary-General to support project proposals that strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.
- Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA):A non-governmental organization committed to evidence-based research, peacebuilding, gender empowerment, and community development across Nigeria.
- Peace & Climate Empowerment Initiative (PACE): A local implementing partner with expertise in climate resilience and community mobilization in Plateau State.
