By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ilorin engaged in a one-day dialogue and peacebuilding between the two communities.
The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the the peace building is organized by the Search for Common Grounds Media Team Initiative.
The theme of the programme is entitled: “”Dialogue Between Herders and Farming Communities in Kwara”.
The One-day Dialogue is for building 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 stated that dialogue between farmers and herders is crucial for conflict prevention and resolution.
According to her, dialogue 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, will 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 hinted that the state government has engaged a consultant to conduct findings on the grazing zones for herders that have 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 Ministry of Agriculture, Malam Makanjuola Umar, observed that both farmers and herders depend on natural resources and involve in agricultural activities, with farmers growing crops and herders raising livestock.
He described both groups as economic partners, who contribute to the economy of the nation.
Umar pointed out that despite their differences, farmers and herders often share common goals and interests, and can work together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
He however identified some differences which includes conflict over grazing right, inadequate veterinary services, destruction of farmlands, and cattle rustling among others.
The representative of the AFAN, Kwara, Malam Saeed Atonto, lamented that underage herders on grazing expeditions find it difficult to control their cattle, hence, they stray into farms and destroy farm products.
He appealed to herders and their owners to come to the rescue of the poor farmers because “we are brothers and we need to be united.”
On his part, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Garba Shehu, pointed out that aggrieved farmers impose outrageous fines on herders when cattle invade 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 in her welcome address, the Kwara Media Coordinator of Search for Common Grounds, Hajia Fatima Mohammed-Lawal, stated that the Search for Common Ground’s mission is to transform the way people manage conflict, away from violence and toward trust and collaboration.
She described the theme as apt, adding that dialogue can play a crucial role in fostering peace between herders and farmers in Nigeria by addressing grievances.
Lawal added that dialogue also provides a platform for both parties to express their concerns and grievances, helping to identify and address underlying issues.