Farmer-Herder Relations: Stakeholders Advocate dialogue in conflict resolution

Stakeholders dedicated to peacebuilding have advocated for more partnership and dialogue in identifying long- term solutions in conflict resolution in achieving sustainable peace in Nigeria.

This was disclosed at the second edition of the National Conference on Farmer-Herder Relations in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu said building bridges between different communities is paramount in mitigating conflicts and creating a harmonious society.

The Director General is represented by the Director Conflict Prevention Management and Resolution,Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, who stressed the need for collaboration.

“Our collective commitment to mitigating farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria is crucial for our nation’s progress and prosperity,” He said.

According to Him, acknowledging the impact of climate change, economic hardship, underlying ethno-religious tensions, and the need for more dialogue will lay the foundation for a peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

“To prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence, we need to address the underlying economic problems and create conditions where farmers and herders can both thrive.” He noted.

He added that Nigeria has committed to global climate mandates through policies such as the Nationally Determined Contribution, the National Climate Change Policy for Nigeria, the National Climate Change Council, and the Energy Transition Plan.

The Executive Director NEEM Foundation, Dr. Fatima Akilu highlighted some of the interventions to reduce Farmers’ and Herders’ conflicts in  Benue, Zamfara, and Kaduna states .

“We have a method called reflective structure dialogue, what it means is that we give them the ability to listen to each other, so they can  understand each other’s experience to come together and form common united front.

“We also provide mental health support.When we deal with trauma, it allows them to listen to and appreciate each other.

“We also help them form a single association as famers association. It allows them to articulate a singular massage and lobby for their needs more effectively with one voice.” She said

Also, the Executive Director Karuna Centre for Peace building, Ms. Polly Byers noted that the project has built linkages between communities and different groups.

“The forum on herders and farmers’ conflict is extremely an important security issue for Nigeria.

There has been amazing progress, the programme that we are discussing here today, and it is really important that they get sustained. The government should continue to engage with all partners and stakeholders at all levels.” She noted

In a related development, the State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Benue State Branch, Aondongu Saaku, said with the support of NEEM Foundation and Karuna Center, the two groups have been able to work as a team in creating positive impacts and awareness in communities.

He added that it was important that the government create an enabling environment for all farmers to coexist peacefully.

The conference with the theme “Creating a Path to Sustainable Peace” was oganised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)Neem Foundation and the Karuna Centre for Peacebuilding.

Shakirat Sadiq