The Jigawa State Government is stepping up efforts to prevent farmer-herder clashes by training 60 technical officers and agricultural extension workers on conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution. The two-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the Ministry of Livestock Development, equips participants with practical skills in range management, early warning systems,……
The Jigawa State Government is stepping up efforts to prevent farmer-herder clashes by training 60 technical officers and agricultural extension workers on conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution.
The two-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the Ministry of Livestock Development, equips participants with practical skills in range management, early warning systems, mediation, and conflict reporting to improve peaceful coexistence across communities.
Representing the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Farmers and Herdsmen Affairs, Bako Muhammad Amaryawa, says the training reflects Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to building lasting peace, protecting livelihoods, and boosting agricultural productivity.
He says the workshop is part of the government’s wider plan to strengthen the capacity of the Jigawa State Farmers and Herdsmen Board ahead of plans to recruit more personnel to improve field operations.
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According to him, the board currently manages more than 451 grazing reserves and over 300 stock routes across the state but operates with only 22 personnel, including just 14 technical officers, making capacity building essential for effective service delivery.
Amaryawa adds that the present administration has already recruited and trained 300 Community Animal Health Extension Workers as part of efforts to modernise the livestock sector and improve food security.
Delivering a lecture titled “Anatomy of Farmer-Herder Conflict in Jigawa State,” a conflict resolution expert from the Department of Sociology, Federal University Dutse, Dr. Usman Sarki, identifies land encroachment, poor land-use management and violations of cattle routes as major causes of disputes between farmers and herders.
He calls for stronger enforcement of land-use regulations, protection of grazing reserves and stock routes, and sustained public awareness to reduce tension and prevent future conflicts.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Musbahu Lawan, says resolving farmer-herder conflict remains one of the ministry’s top priorities.
He explains that the Farmers and Herdsmen Board is responsible for managing grazing reserves, stock routes, road reserves and watering points, promoting peaceful coexistence, advising government on grazing policies, working with security agencies, and providing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Dr. Lawan also urges social media users to verify information before sharing reports of farmer-herder clashes, warning that misinformation can inflame tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts.
Jigawa has recorded progress in resolving long-standing disputes, including the restoration of peace in parts of Guri Local Government Area, with the state government expressing confidence that continued dialogue, better land management and stronger institutions will further reduce conflict and support food production.
The training is expected to produce a new cadre of field personnel capable of responding quickly to emerging disputes, protecting grazing resources and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders across Jigawa State.
