Herders, farmers engage in peace building in Kwara
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ilorin on Saturday, engaged in a one-day dialogue and peace building process.
Supreme news reports that the peace building dialogue is organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) “Search for Common Grounds”.
The theme of the engagement is: “Dialogue Between Herders and Farming Communities in Kwara”.
The dialogue was organised to build trust, understanding and cooperation between farmers and herders, ultimately leading to peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Speaking at the programme, the Kwara Commissioner for Livestock, Mrs Olohuntoyosi Thomas, noted that dialogue between farmers and herders was crucial for conflict prevention and resolution.
According to her, dialogue is the only option that helps to prevent and resolve conflicts by addressing grievances and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Thomas, who was represented by the Director of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammed Umar, called for improved understanding between the two groups.
She pointed out that cooperation and collaboration between farmers and herders would ultimately lead to joint initiatives and projects.
“Dialogue can lead to economic benefits for both farmers and herders, such as increased access to markets and resources,” she said.
The commissioner revealed that the state government had engaged a consultant to conduct findings on the grazing zones for herders that had been taken over by structural buildings and farms.
According to her, this is expected to provide herders with free movement, while looking at possibility of creating alternative grazing zones for herders.
In his address, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Malam Makanjuola Umar, observed that both farmers and herders depended on natural resources and involved in agricultural activities, with farmers growing crops and herders raising livestock.
He described both groups as economic partners, who contributed to the economy of the nation.
“In spite of their differences, farmers and herders often shared common goals and interests, and can work together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
“However, there are some differences, which include conflict over grazing right, inadequate veterinary services, destruction of farmlands, and cattle rustling among others, ” Umar said.
The representative of AFAN, Kwara, Malam Saeed Atonto, however, expressed worry that underaged herders on grazing expeditions found it difficult to control their cattle, hence, straying into farms and destroying farm products.
He appealed to herders and their owners to rescue the poor farmers, saying, “we are brothers and we need to be united”.
On his part, the Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Garba Shehu, pointed out that aggrieved farmers imposed outrageous fines on herders when cattle invaded their farms, demanding millions of naira for destruction of farm products.
He appealed to farmers to be considerate in their demands for compensation as brothers in the agriculture sector.
Earlier, the Kwara Media Coordinator, Search for Common Grounds, Hajia Fatima Mohammed-Lawal, stated that the initiative’s mission was to transform the way people managed conflict away from violence and towards trust and collaboration.
She described the theme as apt, adding that dialogue could play a crucial role in fostering peace between herders and farmers in Nigeria by addressing grievances.
“The dialogue also provides a platform for both parties to express their concerns and grievances, helping to identify and address underlying issues,” she said.
