By Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
The Taraba State Peace Architectural Dialogue (PAD), a non profit group, supported by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), has reinstated its commitment to proactive engagement with stakeholders to prevent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Members of the Forum reinstated their commitment during their 17th monthly meeting, which took place over the weekend in Jalingo, the state capital.
In line with their obligation, the forum set up a committee of five members to ensure the success of a stakeholders roundtable discussion, coming up on Wednesday 11th December 2024.
The roundtable, which will be funded by Search for Common Ground, primarily aims at discussing issues concerning peace in the state.
Stakeholders expected during the programme include: traditional rulers, political leaders, legislatures, local government executives, religious leaders and security agencies, comprising the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Service.
During the meeting the group also advocated the use of farm guides by farmers in the state to avoid cattles invasions to ensure food security.
In their various submissions, members emphasised the adoption of farm guides as the strategy to mitigate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
The forum also solicited the state government support in providing resources and training to help farmers implement these measures.
They maintained that such initiatives could boost food security and enhance harmony in conflict-prone areas, particularly in Lau and Zing local government councils of the state.
The dialogue also identified advocacy and community sensitization as key to reducing crop destruction.
Traditional and community leaders were urged to support awareness campaigns and encourage farmers to seek assistance from authorities rather than resorting to violence when conflicts arise.
Participants shared personal accounts of crop destruction in their communities, underscoring the value of dialogue and education in addressing the challenges.
While also urging media practitioners to promote the farm guide method and other conflict-resolution strategies through their platforms, members stressed the need for vigilance and adherence to security protocols to ensure the safety of both farmers and herders.
Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, (MACBAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria, (AFAN), security agencies, civil society groups, media, and government officials attended the dialogue.