Gombe Govt Resolves Farmer-Herder Clash in Kunji Village

News in brief:

-Gombe State prevented a looming farmer-herder crisis in Kunji Village by mediating disputes and assuring both groups of fair solutions.

-The state is demarcating 37 cattle routes and eight grazing reserves to reduce future conflicts and safeguard agricultural livelihoods.

Tension was high in Kunji Village, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, as disputes over land use threatened to pit farmers against herders. The disagreement began after farmers were accused of cultivating on cattle routes, while herders were blamed for allowing livestock to stray into farmlands, causing damage to crops.

To prevent a violent clash, the Gombe State Government quickly stepped in through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

Dialogue as a Tool for Peace

A delegation led by Barrister Naomi Mwalin Abdu, the project’s Social Safeguard Officer, held a series of meetings with both sides. The team included security personnel, traditional rulers, and the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Ardo Chindo.

The officials visited the disputed grazing paths, listened to grievances, and appealed for calm. Farmers expressed frustration over crop destruction, while herders voiced concerns about shrinking access to grazing lands.

“Dialogue is the only way forward,” Abdu told the community members, stressing that peaceful coexistence is critical for food security and livestock development in Nigeria.

Balancing Crops and Cattle

The clash in Kunji reflects a larger challenge across Nigeria: balancing the needs of farmers and herders in the face of increasing population pressure and climate change. Farmlands are expanding, grazing routes are shrinking, and both sides often feel cheated.

Experts note that when disputes escalate, both crop production and livestock productivity suffer. For Nigerian farmers, this means reduced harvests of staples like maize, cassava, and rice. For herders, it translates to weaker, underfed animals and lower income from milk and beef sales.

Lasting Solutions in Progress

To address these recurring conflicts, the Gombe State Government is working on a long-term plan that includes the demarcation of 37 cattle routes and eight grazing reserves across the state. Officials say these measures will ensure herders have safe passage for their livestock while protecting farmers’ fields.

The intervention, if successful, could serve as a model for resolving farmer-herder conflicts in other parts of Nigeria.