An In-Depth Analysis of Climate Change as a Driver of Natural Resource Conflict: A Study in Sambang—The Gambia

Climate change is one of the most underreported triggers of conflict. The menace did not only cause crop failures and a decline in agricultural productivity but triggered violent resource conflicts in The Gambia. Drawing a case in Sambang, this paper seeks to provide a detailed analysis of climate change as a conflict driver. The study involved 258 persons through focus group discussions and interviews. The study found that climate change stressors caused violent conflicts within and amongst communities. Women and children bear the burden of these conflicts. Ownership and use of land in The Gambia remain a critical sector that is causing conflicts within and among communities and sometimes violent conflicts. The decline in agricultural productivity, increase in salt-water intrusion, food insecurity, increased poverty, and inequality due to climate change is the principal cause of resource conflict in many communities in The Gambia. As climate stressors exacerbate, they lead to a significant reduction in livelihood ventures thereby increasing competition over limited resources which eventually triggers conflict among competitors.