Stakeholders Advocate Solutions to Herder-Farmer Conflicts in Bauchi State

By Murtala Muhammad

Participants at a two-day Conflict Protection and Mitigation Dialogue have called for pragmatic measures to address the persistent herder-farmer conflicts in Bauchi State. 

The dialogue, organized by the USAID-funded State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, Bauchi Field Office, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions towards addressing the problem. 

The event brought together representatives from local communities, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and government officials, who emphasized the need for closing the gaps fueling these disputes.

One of the key outcomes of the dialogue was the identification of poor communication and lack of structured engagement between herders and farmers as primary triggers of conflict. 

The participants proposed the establishment of inclusive community mediation forums where grievances could be addressed transparently. 

Traditional rulers and religious leaders were encouraged to play a more proactive role in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, given their influence within local communities.

The dialogue also underscored the importance of policy reform and government intervention. 

Participants who recommended the demarcation of grazing areas and routes as well as farming zones to reduce territorial disputes, argued that addressing the issues must be complemented by programs that promote alternative livelihoods for both farmers and herders to ease economic pressures.

Speaking at the end of the event, the Conflict Specialist, USAID-funded State2State Activity, Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Mathias Yake reiterated the program's commitment to support conflict prevention initiatives, noting the  goal is to strengthen the capacity of local actors to address these conflicts effectively, fostering peace and enhancing economic productivity. 

The participants left the dialogue with a renewed commitment to collaborative action, hoping that the recommendations will drive lasting peace in the state.