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By Chinyere Anyanwu
In a bid to boost food security and enhance harmony in conflict-prone areas of Taraba State, farmers in the state have been urged to use farm guides as a proactive means to prevent cattle invasions and protect their crops.
The recommendation was part of the outcomes of the 17th Peace Architectural Dialogue (PAD) stakeholders meeting, which held recently in Jalingo, the state capital.
The dialogue, supported by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), focused on addressing the ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the state.
The stakeholders highlighted the adoption of farm guides as a sustainable strategy to mitigate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoral communities.
Emphasising the importance of government support in providing resources and training to help farmers implement these measures, they stated 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 sensitisation as critical 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, emphasising 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, the stakeholders stressed the need for vigilance and adherence to security protocols to ensure the safety of both farmers and herders.
The dialogue was attended by representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), security agencies, media and government officials.
