FG Addresses Root Causes of Farmer-Herder Conflicts, Says Minister – International Edition (English)
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that the federal government is establishing foundations for comprehensive long-term changes aimed at tackling the underlying issues causing continuous farmer-herder clashes throughout Nigeria.
On Wednesday, during a workshop held in Abuja, Maiha—who was represented by his Special Assistant, Saleh Momale—expressed that despite being recently founded, the ministry is currently formulating a strategic plan focused on initiatives designed to promote peace and enhance social unity.
Organized by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation in partnership with the Centre for Population and Environmental Development, this workshop centered around sharing research outcomes related to gender issues, conflicts, and nomadic herding practices.
As stated by the minister, the ministry’s strategy involves working together with state and local governments, traditional leaders, civil society groups, as well as international development allies.
He stated, "The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has only recently been established. Currently, they are developing a strategic framework for the initiatives and actions of this new ministry. Promoting peace and enhancing social harmony is one of their key focuses."
By doing so, the ministry aims to collaborate with all pertinent parties to establish agreement on efficient resource allocation, encourage collaborative resource management, and develop new approaches to deliver crucial services—such as feed provision, health care, and education—to both farming and animal husbandry communities.
Maiha pointed out that these initiatives are designed to enhance collaboration, mutual advantages, and lasting economic frameworks that will catalyze change and encourage harmonious living.
He likewise showed contentment regarding the increasing involvement of both state governments and private sector participants in livestock development programs, stating, "We are pleased with the advancements achieved thus far and remain hopeful that all stakeholders and citizens will keep supporting these transformations."
At the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Rukkaiyatu Ribadu, also addressed the audience, stating that the federal government is implementing specific measures to facilitate the resettlement of pastoralists. These efforts include allocating land, as well as providing access to education, healthcare, and various critical services.
"It will undoubtedly require some time. It won't be solved instantly. The ministry is relatively young, and the minister is working diligently, following instructions from the President, to implement everything necessary to address these conflicts," she stated.
Ribadu highlighted the importance of public advocacy and targeted media involvement to strengthen backing for the current reform efforts.
The missing piece we're considering is advocacy and awareness," she stated. "We should use our resources in the media to showcase the beneficial impacts of these policies and combat unfavorable stories.
She additionally highlighted the significance of incorporating women and girls into conflict resolution approaches, observing that their perspectives and stories frequently get ignored.
"We mainly focus on the farmer-herder conflict through the lens of male combatants, overlooking the reality that women and girls—the female participants—are also impacted," she noted.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Bashir Haruna, emphasized how education plays a crucial role in fostering peace within pastoralist communities.
He disclosed that the literacy rate among nomadic populations has risen from under 1% to 19% during the last 35 years. Currently, more than 1.5 million nomadic children are attending school, and over 8,000 nomadic educational institutions have been set up throughout the nation.
Haruna stated that to improve communication and education, the commission intends to establish a countrywide AM radio station, referring to studies indicating that 99% of nomadic populations depend on radio as their main source of information.
This is how we aim to connect with our perpetually moving customer base," he stated. "The station will broadcast across Nigeria and into some adjacent nations, guaranteeing that nomadic herders remain well-informed and integrated into the country’s progress.
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