Assessing Risks at the Intersection of Climate Insecurity and Violent Extremism: Key Insights and Recommendations from the Dakar Design Workshop
Climate change and violent extremism risks intersect in complex ways, particularly in regions such as West Africa and the Sahel, where climatic changes exacerbate resource scarcity, displacement, and socio-economic vulnerabilities which are at risk of being exploited by violent extremist groups in the region, intensifying recruitment and instability. Therefore, climate change is increasingly recognized as a "risk multiplier" undermining governance and resilience, creating cycles of vulnerability that hinder adaptation and mitigation efforts. Addressing these intertwined risks requires innovative approaches that are both conflict-sensitive and locally informed.
To address this challenge, in July 2024, UNICRI and UNOWAS convened a three-day regional workshop in Dakar to design a methodological tool adapted to the West Africa and Sahel context helping to comprehensively assess the interrelated risks associated with climate change and violent extremism. The workshop brought together over 30 participants, including representatives from regional organizations, local communities, UN agencies, and civil society to collaborate on the design of this tool by providing a platform to share their practical needs and suggestions. Participants’ contributions were notably key in identifying four key pathways through which the risks linked to climate change and violent extremism interact in West Africa and the Sahel:
Resource scarcity and competition: Climate change reduces the availability of essential resources such as water and land, heightening social tensions and competition. Extremist groups may exploit this instability, recruiting by offering resources and protection.
Displacement and migration: Extreme climatic conditions trigger internal and cross-border migration and disrupt pastoral routes, straining urban resources and host communities. Displaced persons may become vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
Livelihoods and economic vulnerability: Climate degradations harm agriculture and livestock, deepening poverty and food insecurity. Extremist groups may attract recruits by providing financial support or livelihood opportunities.
Governance and social stability: Weak governance in addressing climate challenges erodes trust in institutions and creates governance vacuums, enabling extremists to offer services and security, further strengthening their power and destabilizing society.
The workshop also underscored the critical need for the methodological guide to adopt a gender-sensitive approach and support community-driven solutions to effectively address the intertwined risks of climate change and violent extremism. Indeed, participants emphasized the pivotal roles of women and youth in fostering resilience and co-developing holistic interventions tailored to local contexts.
Read the post-workshop report to learn more about the discussions and recommendations from the workshop.
