Stakeholders in cassava farming in Taraba state, say the conflict between herders and farmers can only be resolved between the two parties.
They made this statement at the promotion of conflict resolution through community alliance forum meetings between herders and farmers organized by the FGN/IFAD, under the Taraba State Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), held at Mallum Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state.
Malam Aliyu Nuhu, who is the District Head of Jauro Yuno in the LG, in his submission believed that if the two groups agree to solve the conflict between themselves it will come to pass, emphasizing that no third party can solve the problem.
He described overpopulation and land scarcity as the major causes of the conflict between the two parties, suggesting that if the government will provide all amenities that will attract the herders and their animals to go and settle there, the problem would be solved.
He also advised the government to sensitize both groups as well as provide an avenue where they will be able to meet and find a way forward.
Alhaji Sale Musa, the District Head of Numnai in Gassol LGA of the state, identified lack of understanding, grazing reserves, and injustice to one party as some of the major causes of the conflict between farmers and herders in the state.
He advised farmers and herders to restore the past cordial relationship that has been existing between them to bring a lasting solution to the conflict.
He suggested that if any herder was caught destroying someone’s farm , he should be charged for only what he has destroyed and urged the security agents and judiciary to be just in their dealings.
In his contribution, Head of Quality Assurance of a Food Processing Company in Jalingo, Mr. Zebedee Emmanuel stressed the need for farmers and herders to collaborate in ensuring steady production of cassava for the benefit of all.
According to him, the company had provided support to about three thousand farmers with cassava stems last year but some were lost to cattle invasion.
Earlier, the Director Agricultural Production Officer, IFAD- VCDP, Mr. Jonah Yavala who spoke on behalf of the Taraba State Program Coordinator, Mr. Irimiya Musa said the meeting that brought together farmers and herders was aimed at brokering peace to enable the farmers and herders go about their business peacefully.
He said all complaints raised by both the two groups and observations by other stakeholders have been noted and will be presented to the appropriate authorities.
During the meeting, both parties brainstorm and spoke their minds to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
Sani Sulaiman