Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Ilorin on Saturday participated in a one-day dialogue and peace-building process.
The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the peace-building dialogue was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), “Search for Common Grounds”.
The theme of the engagement was: “Dialogue Between Herders and Farming Communities in Kwara”.
The dialogue aimed to foster trust, understanding, and cooperation between farmers and herders, ultimately promoting peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Speaking at the programme, the Kwara Commissioner for Livestock, Mrs Olohuntoyosi Thomas, emphasised that dialogue between farmers and herders is vital for preventing and resolving conflicts.
According to her, dialogue is the primary means to address grievances and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Thomas, who was represented by the Director of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammed Umar, called for better understanding between the two groups.
She highlighted 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 a study on the grazing zones for herders, where structural buildings and farms had encroached.
According to her, this is expected to provide herders with free movement, while also exploring the possibility of creating alternative grazing zones for them.
In his speech, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Malam Makanjuola Umar, noted that both farmers and herders rely on natural resources and engage in agricultural activities, with farmers cultivating crops and herders raising livestock.
He characterised both groups as economic partners who contribute to the nation’s economy.
“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 concern that underage herders on grazing expeditions found it difficult to control their cattle, thus straying into farms and destroying crops.
He appealed to herders and their owners to assist 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 exaggerated fines on herders when cattle invaded their farms, demanding millions of naira for the destruction of farm produce.
He urged farmers to be considerate in their demands for compensation as brothers in the agricultural sector.
Earlier, the Kwara Media Coordinator, Search for Common Grounds, Hajia Fatima Mohammed-Lawal, stated that the initiative’s mission was to transform how people manage conflict, shifting away from violence and towards trust and collaboration.
She described the theme as appropriate, adding that dialogue could play a vital 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.
