Katsina: Farmers, Herders Engage in Peace Talks to End Banditry

Stakeholders convened across four frontline LGAs of Katsina State to address the challenges faced by both farmers and herders in their communities.

Facilitated by Mercy Corps under the EU-funded Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation project, the dialogue focused on issues such as access to markets for herders and impediments to farm access for farmers.

This pilot project aims to serve as a model for future collaborations and was implemented in the Batsari, Kankara, Danmusa, and Jibia local government areas of Katsina State.

At the Batsari LGA Secretariat dialogue, key issues discussed included access to markets for herders and difficulties farmers face in accessing their land.

During the peace dialogue, Hamisu Haruna, the Batsari Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and a member of the Community Response Network, emphasized their efforts to end the farmers/herders clashes to enable farming and socio-economic activities to thrive.

Herders’ representatives voiced concerns about unfair treatment by security forces and vigilantes, stressing that not all herders are criminals. They particularly lamented the unjust harassment of women selling milk (nono) in the market.

Farmers’ representatives expressed frustration at the continued difficulty in accessing their farms despite efforts to help herders.

Despite the challenges, both sides agreed to work together to restore lasting peace to their communities. Alhaji Ali Magaji, the head of the local government administration, pledged government support for implementing the agreements reached during the dialogue.