Kogi Govt Tackles Farmer-Herder Conflict with Stakeholders’ Meeting

Dayo Thomas

The Kogi State government, in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has taken a significant step towards resolving the ongoing farmer-herder conflict in the state. A stakeholders’ engagement meeting was held, bringing together key leaders from various sectors, including traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, veterinarians, community leaders, farmers, and herders.

The meeting, themed “Unlocking the Economic Potential of Peaceful Coexistence Between Farmers and Herders in Kogi State,” provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. In his address, the Honorable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in addressing the conflict, which has led to disruption of livelihoods, reduced productivity, and growing tensions within communities.

The State Project Coordinator of the Kogi L-PRES Project, Mr. Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza Otaru, urged stakeholders to work together to address the issue, highlighting the project’s commitment to supporting the state government in establishing Conflict Prevention & Resolution Committees (CP&RC) at the state and local government levels. This initiative aims to foster a culture of peace and understanding between farmers and herders, ultimately unlocking the economic potential of the state.