Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge as a Response to Climate Change and Conflict Mitigation in Tivland, Benue State, Nigeria

This research examines Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) as a key response to climate change and conflict mitigation in Tivland, Benue State, Nigeria. This research explores how traditional environmental practices and cultural values can be applied as adaptive solutions to contemporary climate and social problems. The study adopts a qualitative approach, including ethnographic surveys in addition to key informant interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, elders, custodians of cultural traditions, and a review of documentary sources on indigenous knowledge systems. The findings of the study revealed that ecological knowledge among Tiv communities, through such practices as crop rotation, intercropping, sacred sites, seasonal farming calendars, land tenure systems, and communal ownership of resources, has contributed to greater environmental sustainability and ultimately reduced competition for scarce resources. These practices largely contribute to enhanced food security and community cohesion, consequently reducing climate-induced disputes or conflict over scarcity of resources. ITEK has, therefore, become a vital channel for the development of a culturally appropriate framework for climate change adaptation and peacebuilding. The study recommends that local communities hold opportunities to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and policy-makers in response to climate change and conflict mitigation.