To stem the crisis in Southern Kaduna, a faith-based group under the auspices of the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association (CRUDAN) has launched a peace-building initiative aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening community resilience in areas affected by recurring herders-farmers conflicts.

CRUDAN Project Director, Michael Agon, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Meeting held at Gwaben Hotel in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in the state.

Agon stated that the meeting aimed to bring 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 aimed at fostering mutual understanding and sustainable sharing of resources.

“This initiative is about bridging divides and creating practical solutions that address both security and livelihood concerns in rural communities.”

The director explained 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 the relationship between farmers and herders and pastoral communities through collaboration and dialogue, creating a 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 in rural communities.