A group of 15 students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has taken bold steps to combat climate change and promote peaceful coexistence through a transformative project under the banner Ubuntu for Peace.
With increasing environmental challenges and conflicts over scarce resources, the affected students are tackling three critical issues; deforestation, water scarcity and the farmer/herder clashes by engaging local communities in sustainable solutions.
The initiative, themed Common Ground, focuses on tree planting and water provision as essential tools for climate resilience. Across many communities in Nigeria, deforestation has left landscapes barren, exposing residents to extreme temperatures and reduced agricultural productivity.
The loss of trees has not only led to environmental degradation but also heightened tensions between farmers and herders over dwindling resources.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, the students have launched a tree-planting campaign to restore green cover, reduce the impact of heat, and contribute to long-term ecological balance.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, which was held at the Law School of the American University of Nigeria, the faculty advisor of the project, Prof. Peter Kenger, commended the students for their dedication and resilience.
He applauded their commitment to providing sustainable water solutions, preserving the environment, and fostering peaceful coexistence among local communities.
"Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and the work these students are doing is not only commendable but necessary," Prof. Kenger said. "By planting trees, they are helping to restore degraded land, improve air quality, and combat rising temperatures.
Their water provision efforts will ensure that communities facing scarcity have access to this essential resource. Most importantly, they are promoting peace by showing that natural resources should unite rather than divide us."
Through extensive community engagement, the team has mapped out key locations where tree planting will have the most impact. Their goal is to encourage residents to view trees as a shared asset—one that provides shade, prevents soil erosion, improves air quality, and enhances agricultural yield. The initiative goes beyond simply planting trees; it includes educating communities, especially schoolchildren, about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.
In addition to tree planting, the project is addressing one of the most pressing needs in rural communities—access to clean water. Many communities in Adamawa State, despite being near the River Benue, lack safe drinking water for daily use. The students discovered through a needs assessment that many locals prefer wells over boreholes due to maintenance challenges. As part of their initiative, they are digging new wells and repairing broken boreholes to ensure sustainable water access.
Giwa Temilulowa Subedat, the project’s report manager, described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
"This is a new opportunity for us to learn and gain valuable experiences. We've faced challenges, but we remain optimistic," she said. "We are still on the borderline trying to figure out the best strategy, but we are confident that our tree planting and water solutions will have a lasting impact. Climate change has made extreme heat a serious problem, and our work will help mitigate that. We also believe that communication is crucial, so we are ensuring that dialogue is an essential part of this initiative. Every party involved should be represented properly because our goal is not just to plant trees and provide water but to build understanding and cooperation."
The Ubuntu for Peace team believes that climate action is inseparable from community well-being. By restoring forests and ensuring water availability, they are not only mitigating the effects of climate change but also reducing conflict over resources.
The project has attracted international support, with partnerships from the Earth Venture initiative in the United States and the Manara Centre for Coexistence in Abu Dhabi. The team is set to travel to Abu Dhabi to present their progress, seeking further support to expand their impact. If successful, they plan to return and introduce additional sustainability measures to reinforce their climate action efforts.
The students acknowledge the challenges ahead but remain determined. Their optimism is fueled by a deep belief in the power of collective action. They hope that their efforts will serve as a blueprint for others to follow, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and peacebuilding can go hand in hand.
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