From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
An international non-governmental organisation, Mercy Corps, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, has commenced a two-day community dialogue aimed at addressing the persistent farmers–herders conflict during and after the rainy season.
The dialogue brought together about 200 participants, including farmers, pastoralists, traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil servants.
The programme is supported by the International Organization for Migration and the Centre for Democracy and Development under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) initiative.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Livestock and Grazing Reserve, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners for initiating the programme, describing it as a proactive approach to resolving communal conflicts.
Bakori noted that insecurity in the state, including banditry and kidnapping, requires grassroots solutions.
He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved when all segments of the community understand their roles and coexist harmoniously.
“The insecurity we are witnessing is rooted within the community. Those involved often live together, so peace must also be built collectively,” he said.
The commissioner further emphasised that ensuring harmony between farmers and herders is essential for sustainable development and food security.
Discussions during the dialogue centred on practical strategies to prevent conflict, enhance early warning systems, and improve crisis response mechanisms.
Stakeholders at the meeting underscored the need for sustained cooperation, stressing that peaceful farming and grazing activities remain critical to economic stability and rural development.
