From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has validated a report on climate- and conflict-induced displacement, migration, access to basic services and livelihood patterns in the state.
The validation exercise, organised by the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics, brought together academics, government officials, technical experts, development partners and representatives of relevant agencies to review the findings and identify evidence-based interventions.
The Statistician-General of the Bureau, Professor Saifullahi Sani Matazu, said reliable data was essential for understanding the challenges confronting communities and guiding effective government policies.
Professor Matazu said the assessment covered all 34 Local Government Areas and 361 wards, with data collected from more than 18,800 households.
He explained that climate change was putting pressure on critical resources such as grazing areas, water and forests, thereby affecting livelihoods and potentially increasing conflicts between farming and pastoral communities.
The Statistician-General also identified encroachment on grazing reserves and routes, population growth and changing land-use patterns as factors contributing to competition over available resources.
He said the validated findings would enable the government and development partners to prioritise interventions, assign implementation responsibilities and establish mechanisms for monitoring progress.
Professor Matazu linked the exercise to the state government’s climate initiatives, including the KT1T programme, which promotes tree planting and seeks to address environmental degradation.
He commended the UNDP for its technical and financial support, saying the partnership would strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to climate-related vulnerabilities and displacement.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, experts and development partners to translate the findings into practical interventions that would improve livelihoods and reduce vulnerabilities.
The exercise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen evidence-based planning and promote durable solutions to displacement in Katsina State.
The UNDP has also supported the state in developing its State Action Plan on durable solutions for internally displaced persons.
