By: Gloria Abutu
The Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict Over Natural Resources Between Farmer and Herder Communities in Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria, COMITAS, project, implemented by the International Organization for Migration, IOM, in collaboration with Search for Common Ground and Mercy Corps, hosted a two-day workshop in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Funded by the European Union, the workshop assessed the project’s achievements in mitigating farmer-herder conflicts in Taraba and Adamawa states and explored strategies for sustainability.
In a presentation, the COMITAS Project Team Lead, Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted that over 3.6 million Nigerians have been displaced due to conflicts driven by climate change, cultural tensions, politics and drug abuse.
These crises have resulted in significant loss of life and property, displacement, food insecurity and a rise in criminal activities.
Abdullahi noted that COMITAS has made remarkable progress in conflict resolution through the establishment of 12 Community Response Networks, CRNs, with 634 trained members.
These networks he said, have resolved over 2,000 cases and reopened several cattle routes, reducing disputes.
Additionally, dialogues between farmers and herders have built trust and fostered collaboration with local authorities.
According to Abdullahi, Infrastructure projects, such as a pedestrian bridge in Tambo, Girei Local Government Area, have further enhanced access to natural resources.
He also emphasized the role of media campaigns, including radio programs and film screenings, which have reached thousands of stakeholders, promoting messages of peaceful coexistence.
The workshop highlighted critical lessons, such as the importance of community ownership, inclusivity, and the involvement of traditional councils in conflict resolution.
However, challenges like climate change, youth unemployment and logistical delays remain significant obstacles.
The District Head of Gyawana, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa state, Dr. Agoso Bamaiyi commended the initiative, urging communities to adopt dialogue and structured solutions.
He emphasized that peaceful coexistence and proactive efforts could ensure stability in Adamawa and Taraba states.
“Support systems that are in place to yield positive results. Be the light in your communities and embrace dialogue to make Adamawa and Taraba peaceful,” he appealed.
Participants, drawn from security agencies, government Ministries, as well as Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, among other relevant bodies, advocated for long-term sustainability measures, policy integration and the expansion of the project to other conflict-prone regions.
The Lessons Learnt and Sustainability Workshop reaffirmed the pivotal role of COMITAS in addressing farmer-herder conflicts and underscored the need for continued support and collaboration to sustain its impact.
