The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project in Taraba state has called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to promote peace and strengthen conflict mitigation mechanisms between farmers and herders across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the state L-PRES coordinator, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert at a two day Conflict Mitigation Stakeholders’ Meeting in Jalingo, the state capital, the ICT and Information officer of the organization, Mr. Artimas Ezra, said sustainable livestock development and improved agricultural productivity could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, trust, cooperation and mutual respect.

The representative explained that although Taraba state is endowed with enormous agricultural and livestock potential, recurring disputes over land use, grazing routes, water resources and other natural resources continue to threaten peaceful coexistence and economic activities in many communities.

He noted that the LPRES Project, supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and development partners, is committed to strengthening livestock value chains, improving productivity, enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods through inclusive stakeholder engagement.

According to him, the meeting was convened to provide a platform for dialogue, identify conflict triggers, exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for preventing disputes while strengthening existing conflict resolution mechanisms.

He urged participants to contribute actively to discussions, stressing that achieving lasting peace requires collective responsibility and the commitment of government institutions, traditional rulers, security agencies, farmers, pastoralists, development partners, civil society organisations, women and youth groups.

The State coordinator through the representative expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support and participation, expressing confidence that the outcome of the meeting would strengthen peacebuilding efforts and create a more conducive environment for agricultural and livestock development in Taraba state.

Also speaking, the Taraba State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Yau Ibrahim, said the association had been working tirelessly to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers across the state. He also commended the Taraba State Government for its efforts in tackling kidnapping and armed banditry.

The Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Farmers/Herders Affairs, Bello Mbea, alongside representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council of Nigeria, lauded the leadership of LPRES for introducing initiatives that have significantly improved relations between farmers and pastoralists by fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.

Participants who spoke with journalists at the end of the two-day stakeholders’ meeting also commended LPRES for equipping them with practical knowledge on conflict prevention and resolution. They pledged to share the lessons learnt with members of their respective communities who were unable to attend the workshop.

The stakeholders expressed optimism that the resolutions reached at the meeting would contribute to lasting peace, improved relationships between farmers and herders, and enhanced agricultural productivity across Taraba state.