The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders in Taraba State.
The appeal was made amid growing concerns over disputes linked to access to farmland, grazing areas, water resources and other natural resources, which have continued to affect peaceful coexistence and agricultural activities in parts of the state.
L-PRES emphasised the importance of bringing farmers, herders, traditional rulers, government agencies, security institutions and community leaders together to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges.
According to the project, greater cooperation among stakeholders is critical to addressing the root causes of the conflicts and preventing disagreements from escalating into violence.
The initiative also highlighted the need for dialogue and peaceful dispute-resolution mechanisms as key tools for building trust between farming and pastoral communities.
Stakeholders have noted that recurring clashes can have serious consequences for food production, livestock development and the livelihoods of rural communities. Farmers may lose access to their farmlands, while herders can face disruptions to their movement and livestock activities.
L-PRES therefore urged relevant stakeholders to strengthen existing conflict-resolution structures and promote policies that encourage responsible land and natural-resource management.
The project further stressed the importance of improving livestock productivity and supporting modern approaches to animal husbandry as part of broader efforts to reduce pressure on land and minimise disputes.
With agriculture and livestock production playing important roles in Taraba’s economy, stakeholders believe that a coordinated approach could help create a more peaceful environment for both farmers and herders.
L-PRES said sustained collaboration, community engagement and effective implementation of government programmes would be essential to achieving lasting peace and improving agricultural productivity across the state.
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