Circular economy as peacebuilding: enhancing socio-ecological resilience for agro-pastoral frontiers in West Africa

The ecological scarcity of West Africa leads people to believe that resource conflicts between farmers and herders stem from environmental limitations. The research investigates how compost-for-fodder exchanges and biogas loops, and solar-powered fodder banks affect violence levels and economic stability and carbon storage through two years of fieldwork in 120 Nigerian communities. The research investigates how circular economy solutions which convert waste materials into valuable assets through crop residue and manure and water recycling programs create trust between different groups. The implemented solution reduced violent incidents by 48% while simultaneously increasing family income between 20 to 25% and establishing environmental sustainability that can endure climate change impacts. The research shows that peace-oriented circular economy policies need to be created to build sustainable socio-ecological systems in conflict-stricken regions.