Taraba targets end to conflicts

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project has intensified efforts to prevent conflicts between livestock farmers and host communities in Taraba State through the promotion of dialogue and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The initiative was highlighted at the opening of a five-day ADR training organised in Jalingo for livestock farmers, host communities, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders in the livestock sector.

The training focused on peaceful, community-based approaches to resolving disputes before they escalate into violent conflicts, particularly disagreements over access to land and water, livestock movement and alleged destruction of crops.

Speaking during the training, the L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Hananiah Albert, said peace and stability were critical to the growth and sustainability of livestock production in the state.

Albert, who was represented by the project’s ICT and Communication Officer, Ezra Atimas, said livestock farming remained a major source of livelihood for many residents, stressing that disputes within the sector should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.

He said ADR provided disputing parties with an opportunity to sit together, listen to one another and address their concerns with a view to reaching mutually acceptable solutions.

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The coordinator also urged stakeholders to make greater use of existing community leadership structures, saying early intervention and effective communication could prevent minor disagreements from developing into serious conflicts.

Also speaking, a resource person and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Taraba State University, Dr Danjuma Yusuf, urged livestock farmers and members of host communities to make greater use of traditional and community leadership structures in resolving disputes.

Yusuf advised stakeholders to involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups and livestock associations in conflict resolution, noting that their participation could promote dialogue, build trust and preserve relationships between farmers and host communities.

He stressed that ADR should not be limited to situations where conflicts had already erupted, but should also be used as a preventive mechanism for identifying and addressing grievances before they become violent.

The training is expected to strengthen the capacity of livestock farmers and host communities to peacefully manage disputes while promoting improved community relations, security and sustainable livestock development across Taraba State.