HMDVA81
Assignment 3
Unique No: 339400
Due 9 July 2025
,HMDVA81
Assignment 3: Exceptional Answers
Unique No: 339400
DUE 9 July 2025
LITERATURE REVIEW STRATEGIES FOR THE CONCEPT OF “ECO-VIOLENCE” IN
THE SAHEL REGION
, 1. Introduction
The Sahel region, a semi-arid ecological belt stretching across northern Africa from
Senegal to Sudan, has become emblematic of the complex interplay between
environmental degradation and violent conflict. In recent decades, the convergence of
climate variability, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-political instability has
generated a fragile landscape marked by intercommunal violence and insurgency
(Benjaminsen, 2021; UNDP, 2023). The emerging term “eco-violence” seeks to
conceptualise this intersection, capturing the intricate links between ecological stress
and organised or communal violence in the region.
This literature review aims to synthesise existing academic and grey literature to
evaluate how eco-violence is currently understood and applied in the context of the
Sahel. It offers a systematic approach to understanding the ways in which
environmental conditions—particularly those associated with water scarcity—act as
catalysts or aggravators of intergroup conflict. The review also identifies theoretical
perspectives and research gaps that need further scholarly attention. A variety of
sources, including peer-reviewed articles, international policy reports, and regional case
studies, are examined using a thematic and critical lens.
2. Conceptualising Eco-Violence
2.1 Definitions and Origins
The concept of eco-violence is relatively new in the academic lexicon, loosely referring
to violence that arises from or is significantly exacerbated by ecological degradation. It
is frequently used interchangeably with terms such as environmental conflict, climate-
related conflict, and resource wars. However, eco-violence goes beyond simple
causality, recognising a multidimensional relationship between ecological change and
social disorder (Ide, 2017).
Assignment 3
Unique No: 339400
Due 9 July 2025
,HMDVA81
Assignment 3: Exceptional Answers
Unique No: 339400
DUE 9 July 2025
LITERATURE REVIEW STRATEGIES FOR THE CONCEPT OF “ECO-VIOLENCE” IN
THE SAHEL REGION
, 1. Introduction
The Sahel region, a semi-arid ecological belt stretching across northern Africa from
Senegal to Sudan, has become emblematic of the complex interplay between
environmental degradation and violent conflict. In recent decades, the convergence of
climate variability, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-political instability has
generated a fragile landscape marked by intercommunal violence and insurgency
(Benjaminsen, 2021; UNDP, 2023). The emerging term “eco-violence” seeks to
conceptualise this intersection, capturing the intricate links between ecological stress
and organised or communal violence in the region.
This literature review aims to synthesise existing academic and grey literature to
evaluate how eco-violence is currently understood and applied in the context of the
Sahel. It offers a systematic approach to understanding the ways in which
environmental conditions—particularly those associated with water scarcity—act as
catalysts or aggravators of intergroup conflict. The review also identifies theoretical
perspectives and research gaps that need further scholarly attention. A variety of
sources, including peer-reviewed articles, international policy reports, and regional case
studies, are examined using a thematic and critical lens.
2. Conceptualising Eco-Violence
2.1 Definitions and Origins
The concept of eco-violence is relatively new in the academic lexicon, loosely referring
to violence that arises from or is significantly exacerbated by ecological degradation. It
is frequently used interchangeably with terms such as environmental conflict, climate-
related conflict, and resource wars. However, eco-violence goes beyond simple
causality, recognising a multidimensional relationship between ecological change and
social disorder (Ide, 2017).
