Efforts to address recurring farmer-herder clashes in communities across the country have taken different forms, but a new initiative involving fodder farming and fish production is helping to ease tensions between farmers and herders in Ajiwa community, Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The initiatives, introduced under the Spring Project implemented by the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), are aimed at strengthening livelihoods and promoting peaceful coexistence among members of the community, particularly farmers and herders.
Findings showed that a major component of the intervention is a designated fodder plot where grass is cultivated specifically for livestock.
Residents said the initiative had reduced the movement of animals into farmlands in search of food, which was previously a major source of disputes between farmers and livestock owners.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Sani Maiunguwar Tunga, a community leader, said farmers used to lodge frequent complaints when livestock entered their farms and destroyed crops.
He said the situation had improved since the establishment of the fodder plot, as herders could now cut grass from the designated area and take it to their animals without damaging farm produce, while some also brought their livestock to the plot to feed.
"This newly adopted initiative has reduced the cases of animals entering farmers' farms to eat crops, which used to cause conflicts between farmers and herders," he said.
Another beneficiary, Amina Abubakar, said the fodder initiative had also contributed to better livestock management.
She said animals previously wandered into farms in search of food, exposing them to conditions that sometimes resulted in diseases and other problems.
"But now that we have a place where we grow grass for the animals, the situation has improved and we have fewer cases of diseases among our livestock, as well as complaints that usually turn into crisis," she said.
With the initiative, fodder production is addressing competition over grazing resources, while fish farming is helping residents diversify their sources of income.
Sada Abdullahi Ajiwa, chairman of fish farmers in the community, said beneficiaries were trained in fish farming and fingerling production, giving them opportunities to generate income beyond traditional farming and livestock activities.
He said they were also taught how to use water from fish production to raise seedlings and engage in indoor crop production, allowing households to make better use of available resources.
Residents said the new livelihood opportunities had also helped reduce idleness, particularly among young people, by engaging them in productive agricultural and business activities.
Jamilu Ma'aruf, a resident, said some beneficiaries had established businesses and improved their financial situation, making them financially stable enough to lend money to other members of the community.
The Barden Katsina and District Head of Ajiwa, Alhaji Bello Kabir Usman, said the community had benefited from various development projects in the past, but described the Spring Project as different because of its focus on both livelihoods and peaceful coexistence.
He commended WEP and other development partners for supporting initiatives that address economic challenges while reducing sources of conflict in the community.
Similarly, another community leader, the Magajin Ajiwa, Alhaji Sani Hamza Ajiwa, appealed to the partners to extend the intervention to other communities.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He said more residents could benefit from the livelihood and peace-building components if the initiative was expanded.
Responding, Ismail Zubairu of WEP said the organisation had trained community members in various livelihood activities and provided start-up support to enable beneficiaries to establish businesses.
He said the intervention was designed to strengthen livelihoods while addressing some of the factors contributing to conflicts between farmers and herders.
With the positive results recorded by beneficiaries, residents urged development partners to expand the project, saying sustained investment in fodder production, aquaculture and other livelihood activities could strengthen economic resilience and peaceful coexistence in more communities across Katsina State.
They also said expanding such interventions could contribute to addressing the wider challenges of insecurity in the state.
