By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Jigawa State Chapter, Engineer Auwalu Garba, has described dialogue, awareness and understanding of government policies as the most effective tools for addressing farmer–herder conflicts in the state.
Garba stated this during a stakeholders’ forum organized by AFAN, which brought together farmers, Fulani herders, security agencies, civil society organizations, justice officials and the media to deliberate on lasting solutions to recurring clashes between farmers and herders in Jigawa State.
According to him, the forum was convened to create awareness, promote peaceful coexistence and enable stakeholders to better understand government policies aimed at strengthening agriculture and livestock production.
“This is the right time for all farmers’ associations to align with the agenda of the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Malam Umar Namadi. The governor has always shown commitment to farmers and herders,” Garba said.
He cited the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the state government with the National Institute for Development Administration (NIDA) to enhance Brachiaria pasture production as a major boost to the livestock sector.
“This development will greatly improve livestock farming and support peaceful coexistence, because access to pasture is one of the major causes of farmer-herder clashes,” he added.
Garba also welcomed the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock by the Federal Government, describing it as timely and strategic.
“Jigawa is blessed with enormous livestock potential. If the sector is modernized, it will create jobs and improve the quality of life of our people. However, many farmers and herders face challenges accessing credit and government grants due to lack of awareness,” he noted.
He stressed that ignorance, rather than deliberate intent, is at the root of most conflicts. “Many herders and farmers are unaware of forest classifications, grazing regulations and available government interventions. That is why forums like this are important to enlighten people from all corners of the state,” he explained.
Garba noted that most farmers and herders live in remote areas with little access to radio, social media or other information channels, making physical engagement crucial.
“Such gatherings allow us to interact, resolve issues, and channel genuine concerns to the government before they escalate,” he said.
Also speaking, Aminu Adamu, Secretary of the Fulfude Awareness and Peace Association of Nigeria, Jigawa Branch, expressed satisfaction with the discussions.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity. We discussed critical issues affecting our farming and daily activities. We will take these discussions back to our communities so our members can benefit,” he said.
Adamu said farmer-herder clashes could be significantly reduced if government takes firm action against offenders, particularly in cases of encroachment on grazing routes and water points.
“Blockage of cattle routes and water sources are the major causes of clashes. If government enforces the law, these conflicts will end,” he said.
In his remarks, Barrister Hussain Taura, Director of Citizens’ Rights at the Jigawa State Ministry of Justice, attributed farmer–herder conflicts to selfishness and greed.
“This menace can only be addressed through sincere dialogue and mutual understanding, especially in Jigawa State,” he said.
An Associate Professor, Ado Garba Jangargari, urged Fulani parents to prioritize both Islamic and Western education for their children, noting that education fosters awareness and peaceful coexistence.
He cited notable educated Fulani leaders such as former Governor Dr. Sule Lamido, late Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, and Sir Tafawa Balewa as examples.
Jangargari also called on the government to allocate grazing and farming lands in ways that encourage neighbourly relations between Fulani and Hausa communities, stressing that peace would thrive where understanding exists.
He further advised herders and farmers to act as peace ambassadors and respect the rule of law, adding that Nigeria-Niger cross-border relations should be managed peacefully due to shared cultural ties.
Participants at the forum expressed satisfaction with the dialogue and jointly appealed to the government to provide grazing reserves, protect farming lands, and enforce laws against anyone who breaches peace.
They commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his sustained efforts in addressing farmer–herder conflicts through policies and programmes.
In his closing remarks, Garba appreciated the support of security agencies, including the police, DSS, Civil Defence, Ministry of Justice and the media, and pledged that AFAN would continue to organize similar engagements.
“What we discussed here should not end in this hall. Everyone must take the message home so peace and harmony can reign. Everyone is a farmer whether you rear cattle, goats, fish or poultry; farming only differs by category,” he concluded.
