Over the past two years, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully resolved more than 2,775 farmer-herder disputes across nine local government areas in Taraba and Adamawa states. This achievement stems from efforts under the Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources (COMITAS II) Project, which focuses on peaceful conflict resolution and resource-sharing strategies.
Key Interventions and Areas Covered
The COMITAS II Project established 12 Community Response Network (CRN) teams to mediate disputes between farmers and herders over land and natural resources. These efforts have benefited local government areas in:
- Adamawa State: Demsa, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Guyuk, and Shelleng.
- Taraba State: Lau and Zing.
Speaking during a weekend briefing in Yola, Adamawa State capital, Aliyu Abdullahi, the IOM COMITAS II Project Team Lead for Numan LGA, highlighted the significance of reopening blocked cattle routes and providing shared infrastructure. These actions have been crucial in fostering collaboration and reducing tensions between farming and herding communities.
Sustaining Peace Through Community Initiatives
To maintain the peace achieved through the COMITAS II Project, the Taraba and Adamawa States Radio Listeners Club has stepped up its peace-building efforts by creating forums in 32 farming and herding communities.
Christopher Sunday, a representative of the club, explained the vital role of their radio talk shows in promoting peaceful coexistence. These programs, supported by Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and broadcast on six FM stations, encourage dialogue and mutual understanding between conflicting groups.
Victor Okpanachi, Media Coordinator for SFCG, shared plans to enhance these efforts by equipping listeners’ clubs with public address systems, radio sets, and canopies. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with radio stations to ensure these peace-building shows continue beyond the COMITAS II Project’s duration.
Advancing Long-Term Peace
The collaborative initiatives in Taraba and Adamawa emphasize the importance of sustained dialogue, infrastructure development, and community involvement in resolving disputes. By addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts, such as access to natural resources, these programs are paving the way for long-term peace and stability in the region.
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