Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest peacebuilding organisation, has released a new report proposing strategies to mitigate violent clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria a conflict that has claimed over 4,000 lives and cost the national economy an estimated $13 billion annually.
The research, conducted in Adamawa and Taraba States, examined the root causes of disputes over land, water, and grazing routes, which have been worsened by climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns and shrinking resources have escalated tensions, leading to crop theft, loss of livelihoods, and deadly confrontations.
Francis Sala-Diakanda, West Africa Regional Director for Search for Common Ground, stressed the urgent need for homegrown solutions:
“Climate change is not just disrupting seasons, it’s destabilizing communities. As land dries up and tensions rise, we must act urgently to mediate conflict and reimagine how people live together. This report shows that peace is not a passive hope but a shared responsibility built in the spaces where herders and farmers dance together, play together, and recognize each other’s humanity.”
The report highlighted innovative peacebuilding approaches, such as cultural exchange programmes that use storytelling, music, theatre, football matches, and community dances to promote understanding. These initiatives have proven effective, with 96% of locals surveyed reporting improved relations between farmers and herders in the past year.
Community leaders including elders, Imams, and Pastors have also been instrumental in mediating disputes and identifying early warning signs. The study found that 60% of community members now feel they have greater access to mechanisms that help prevent conflicts from escalating.
Personal accounts underscored the success of these initiatives. Boniface Nakulmide, a farmer and father of four, shared:
“The clashes were almost routine. Farmers and herders often fought over land and resources. But Search taught us to look out for signs of trouble and address them before conflicts could escalate. Before, I saw herders as my enemies but now I realise they are my partners.”
Similarly, Hauwa Musa, a herder from Shelleng Local Government Area, noted that peace comes through listening, dialogue, and collaboration:
“Peace is not something that just happens; it is something we must build,” she said.
The report, authored by Dr. Babatunde David, concluded that trust in authorities, inclusive natural resource management, and stronger local peace structures are vital to sustaining progress. Recommendations include scaling up cultural exchange initiatives, establishing regular farmer-herder dialogue forums, and developing community-led surveillance programmes to curb crop theft.
