Stakeholders advocate peace commissions to address farmer-herder conflicts

Stakeholders from Adamawa and Taraba states have advocated for the establishment of peace commissions across the nation to address the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers.

These stakeholders, drawn from academia and various government ministries, expressed their views following a two-day “Experience Sharing” event organized by Search for Common Ground under the COMITAS II project, held in Yola, Adamawa State.

They believe that the formation of peace commissions will play a crucial role in the early warning and management of conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as promote peaceful coexistence.

Prof. Augustine A. Ndaghu from Moddibo Adama University emphasized that establishing peace commissions would have a lasting impact on the fragile peace currently existing between farmers and herders in the affected states.

He noted that global warming, manifested through climate change, is leading to the depletion of natural resources, and that only peaceful dialogue can effectively address these challenges.

Furthermore, he pointed out that population growth has led to areas formerly used for grazing by herders being converted for agricultural purposes. He highlighted that, in addition to the increasing number of farmers, the cattle population itself has also grown in quantity and quality.

He called on the governments in both states to do everything possible so that there will be peace commissions in the states, advocating that the commissions should be independent and be proactive.

Project Manager COMITAS II, Gambo Wada, explained that the event was organised for the stakeholders to share ideas, experiences considering the fact that they share common similarities in addressing conflicts.

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