Insecurity: Foundation advocates farmers/herders coexistence to shape agric future

The Foundation for Peace, Hope, and Conflict Management (FPHCM) has emphasized the urgent need for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders as a solution to the ongoing conflicts threatening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Bature, the foundation’s Executive Director, highlighted this during a stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at fostering peace, development, and social cohesion. Bature asserted that addressing these conflicts is essential to securing Nigeria’s agricultural future, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security.
He pointed out that both farmers and herders have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy and food systems, but unresolved conflicts, driven by climate change, resource competition, and access to markets, are destabilizing their coexistence. The farmer-herder conflicts over land and water resources are becoming more frequent and must be addressed to avoid further harm to agricultural productivity and economic stability.
Bature called on the stakeholders to strengthen relationships between farmers and herders through dialogue, empathy, and collaboration, emphasizing that only a cooperative approach can lead to sustainable resource management and conflict resolution. His message aligns with the theme of the International Day of Peace: “Action for Peace,” which promotes active engagement in fostering harmony.
Source: Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-food Stakeholders:
The foundation’s advocacy highlights the critical need for stakeholders to develop inclusive policies that bridge the divides between farmers and herders. Some of the key takeaways from the dialogue include:
Conflict Resolution through Dialogue: The peaceful coexistence of farmers and herders is vital for the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Open dialogue and conflict resolution workshops like those organized by FPHCM provide a platform to address resource competition and land disputes.
Impact on Food Security: The ongoing conflicts have significant implications for food security. The inability of both communities to coexist peacefully disrupts farming and livestock grazing activities, resulting in reduced productivity, increased prices, and jeopardized livelihoods.
Government and Community Role: Local authorities, such as His Royal Majesty, the Aku-Uka of Wukari, have supported peace initiatives aimed at fostering harmonious relations. The role of traditional rulers and local governments is crucial in promoting long-term peace and agricultural sustainability.
Climate Change and Resource Scarcity: Climate change exacerbates competition over dwindling natural resources, particularly land and water. Solutions must focus on sustainable resource management to reduce tensions and improve the resilience of both farmers and herders.
Economic Benefits: Peaceful coexistence offers economic advantages by enhancing agricultural sustainability, ensuring food supply stability, and creating a more reliable environment for investment in agriculture. Both parties stand to benefit from improved economic opportunities through cooperation.

Recommendations for Agri-food Stakeholders:
Promote Inclusive Peacebuilding: Stakeholders should support initiatives that encourage both farmers and herders to engage in open dialogue. Workshops and forums for collaboration can help break down barriers and foster trust between the communities.
Implement Conflict-sensitive Policies: The Federal Government must develop and implement policies that balance access to land and water resources between farmers and herders, ensuring that both groups have equitable opportunities to thrive.
Focus on Sustainable Resource Management: The agricultural sector needs to adopt climate-resilient practices and sustainable resource allocation to reduce competition and ensure long-term stability in farming and herding activities.
Leverage Traditional Rulers’ Influence: Local leaders should be further empowered to mediate conflicts and promote coexistence. Traditional rulers, like the Aku-Uka of Wukari, play a crucial role in maintaining peace within their communities.