A faith-based group under the Aegis of Christian Rural and Urban Development Association (CRUDAN) has launched a peace building initiative aimed to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen community resilience in areas affected by recurring herders-farmers conflicts in some parts of Kaduna State.
Michael Agon, CRUDAN Spring Project Director, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Inception Meeting held at Gwaben Hotel in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf local Government Area in the state.
Agon said the meeting was aimed at bringing together key community leaders, government representatives, and development partners to formally launch the LiFeMiLE project and outline its objectives.
He said : “The initiative will introduce innovative approaches such as live fencing to protect farmlands and community dialogue sessions designs at fostering mutual understanding and sustainable sharing of resources.
READ ALSO:Kaduna Government Trains Farmers on Land Restoration Techniques
“This initiative is about bridging divides and creating practical solutions that address both security and livelihood concerns in rural communities.”
He added that, the project would be located in three communities including; Mifi in Kaura Local Government, Kpunyei and Chenchuk, in Zangon Kataf Local Government, with three major targets for Farmers and Herders.
Agon said: “The project objectives include; implementation of eco-friendly and sustainable live fencing to control and prevent livestock from encroaching farmlands, reducing crop destruction and safeguarding farmers livelihood.
“Improve social cohesion by strengthening relationships between farmers and herders and pastoral communities through collaboration and dialogue, creating foundation for peaceful coexistence and development.”
Earlier, Joseph Gyandi, CRUDAN’s Managing Director, in a welcome address, said the meeting marked the beginning of the critical journey towards building trust especially at the Rural communities.
He said: “We believe that peace and development go hand in hand and through the LiFeMiLE Project, we are creating avenues for dialogue, understanding, and practical measures that protects livelihoods while reducing tensions between farmers and herders.”
He noted that, CRUDAN, a faith-based development organisation, has been active in promoting rural transformation and conflict resolution across Nigeria for decades.
Also, Patrick Katuka, CRUDAN’s Board Chairman, urged the participants at the meeting to leverage the opportunity and cooperate with the organisers so as to deliver on the set goals and objectives.