The role of cooperative regional climate diplomacy in addressing the climate-conflict nexus in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

The adverse effects of climate change have been widely felt by the Horn of Africa’s agro-reliant farmer and pastoralist communities. The increasing competition over scarce natural resources, which both groups depend upon for their livelihood, has culminated in cattle raiding and ongoing conflict, which has compromised regional peace and security in the Horn. The purpose of this study is to determine how effective cooperative regional diplomacy can be in addressing the dual human security threats posed by conflict and climate change in the Horn of Africa. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of preventing conflict and building resilience among the region’s vulnerable communities through cooperative diplomatic efforts, given the very prevalent and ongoing climate change challenges in the region.

This qualitative desktop case study was conducted using secondary online sources, and an environmental governance analytical framework was applied in evaluating the literature. Despite various initiatives and programmes made possible by climate diplomacy efforts in the Horn, the study found that several factors, including institutional weaknesses, poor leadership, a severe lack of financial and technical resources, and inconsistent stakeholder prioritization of regional goals, have made regional environmental governance initiatives in the Horn less effective. These findings indicate the need for significant improvements and reform in the institutions that carry out environmental governance within the region. In addition, further research on how climate diplomacy tools can be better leveraged to achieve sustainable peace in the region is necessary.

This study maintains that given the cross-border nature of the climate-conflict crisis between farmer and pastoralist groups, there is a need for diplomatic actors in the region, namely IGAD, the EAC and national governments, to recommit to collaboration and strengthening their multilateral partnerships. An all-encompassing solution which addresses the natural resource management, conflict resolution, climate change adaptation and livelihood support needs of the region is feasible in the Horn and can be attained through well-coordinated diplomatic efforts.