Summary

Livelihoods are central to the relationship between climate change and conflict. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns negatively affect household income sources and food supply, particularly those of households reliant on subsistence farming (rain-fed agriculture or livestock raising). The lack of alternative livelihood options, coupled with political, social and economic strife, may lead people to resort to violence to safeguard their means of survival.

The potential contribution of livelihood diversification to peacebuilding

The deterioration of conditions that support people’s livelihoods can increase the likelihood of human insecurity and violent conflict arising. Livelihoods such as farming and herding are adversely affected by climate change, and experiencing the impacts thereof may exacerbate grievances and tensions among marginalized groups, particularly in the absence of viable alternative
livelihoods. Building and diversifying livelihoods, however, can have positive effects on peacebuilding in conflict-affected and post-conflict contexts, as people learn not only to manage the changes they experience but also to actively adjust to changing circumstances.

Key Findings

The authors of this policy brief recommends:

• Supporting viable and sustainable livelihood diversification interventions to effectively address livelihood insecurity and associated conflict risks.
• Increasing support for women’s livelihoods to promote women’s empowerment as a peacebuilding tool.

Conclusions

Livelihood diversification can be a helpful tool in reducing the likelihood of climate-related conflict. Purposefully supporting sustainable and viable livelihood alternatives that consider the needs of women represents an additional avenue for peacebuilding.

Citation

Hegazi, F., Seyuba, K. (2024). Leveraging livelihood diversification for peacebuilding in climate- and conflict-affected contexts. Policy brief by SIPRI and Mistra Geopolitics. https://doi.org/10.55163/DVDW9043