Tensions between farmers and herders once again surfaced in Kunji Village, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, prompting a timely intervention by state authorities. The conflict, reportedly sparked by alleged encroachment on established cattle routes, has raised concerns over the fragile relationship between agricultural and pastoralist communities—a recurring challenge not only in Gombe but across much of Nigeria and West Africa.
According to local reports, friction mounted after some crop farmers were accused of farming across paths traditionally reserved for livestock movement. Meanwhile, herders allegedly allowed their cattle to graze on private farmlands, resulting in the destruction of crops and loss of livelihoods for numerous families. Such disputes echo the wider national struggle to balance food security and sustainable agricultural systems with the needs of nomadic and semi-nomadic livestock keepers.
In an effort to preempt escalation, the Gombe State Government, through its Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, initiated an urgent response strategy designed to foster dialogue and de-escalate the situation. According to the State Project Coordinator, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, a multi-sectoral team was rapidly deployed to Kunji Village. The goal: bring together security agencies, traditional authorities, as well as farmers and pastoralist representatives to foster joint solutions and prevent violence.
The fact-finding mission, led by Barrister Naomi Mwalin Abdu—the Social Safeguard Officer for L-PRES—was composed of senior personnel, including the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Divisional Security Officer (DSO), the Village Head, and the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Ardo Chindo. These figures represent crucial voices for peace and accountability in the community. It is noteworthy that the involvement of both security operatives and community leaders reflected the government’s commitment to inclusion and transparency, officials said.
On arrival, the delegation conducted a physical inspection of claimed cattle routes and the adjoining farmlands. During community meetings, both sides presented their grievances in detail. A local crop farmer, Ibrahim Lawal, shared, “I planted maize here with my family’s sweat and now most of it is gone. We do not hate the herders, but we are frustrated when our efforts are lost to roaming cattle.” Conversely, Mallam Musa Abdullahi, a herder, complained, “We have always used these paths—now we find fresh crops on our routes, making it impossible to move our cattle without conflict.” These first-hand perspectives highlight the urgent need for lasting solutions that respect both land and livestock rights.
Addressing both farmers and herders, Abdu and her team underscored the importance of dialogue, patience, and peaceful coexistence for the well-being of the entire community. She stated, “The government will not allow these issues to divide you. We must work together—farming and herding can coexist with transparency and respect for boundaries.” The team reiterated that the government’s interest is to ensure food security, economic stability, and sustainable rural livelihoods—objectives threatened when these disputes go unresolved, as evidenced by statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics showing repeated losses in both crop and livestock yields in conflict zones.
To move forward, the delegation resolved to reconvene broader consultations with additional stakeholders—including youth groups, women’s associations, and religious leaders—for thorough analysis and collaboration on durable strategies. This approach reflects international best practices identified in reports from organisations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which recommend inclusive, participatory dialogue as a cornerstone for resolving farmer-herder disputes across Africa.
According to Prof. Abubakar, the L-PRES project is taking practical steps statewide by resurveying, remapping, and re-demarcating 37 cattle routes and eight grazing reserves. This initiative, partially funded in partnership with global agencies, aims to reduce recurring clashes, enhance livestock mobility, and secure pasturelands while supporting agricultural expansion. “We’re not only focused on Kunji. This state-wide effort is about mapping all resources transparently so pastoralists and farmers know their limits and entitlements,” Abubakar explained during a recent stakeholder forum.
While the government’s response has been commended for its speed, some civil society organisations have called for even deeper engagement, as well as the use of advanced technology such as GPS mapping to resolve boundary disputes. “What matters most is enforcement and ongoing education. Local leaders must be empowered not just to mediate but to enforce the law transparently,” noted Nnenna Ike, a conflict resolution expert based in Abuja. She also advised that lasting peace can only be secured where local frameworks are backed by formal legal recognition and continuous monitoring.
Similar conflicts have occurred in various northern Nigerian states such as Benue, Taraba, and Kaduna, often with more tragic consequences. In many instances across West Africa, these disputes have spilled over borders, highlighting their regional dimension. Nigeria’s experience—if addressed effectively—could serve as a model for neighbouring Ghana, Cameroon, and beyond, where growing populations and climate pressures have intensified land-use competition.
Beyond traditional conflict drivers, some analysts point to broader factors: population growth, climate variability, and loss of traditional grazing reserves have all contributed to the stresses facing both herders and farmers. According to a 2023 report from Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture, loss of grazing lands is accelerating as more arable land is converted for crop production. Experts suggest that sustainable solutions should integrate modern ranching practices, investment in water resources, and comprehensive land titling and registration systems.
For now, residents of Kunji Village await the outcomes of the ongoing dialogue, hopeful that the government’s actions will translate into long-term peace and prosperity. Local youth leader, Aisha Gimba, told our correspondent, “It is children and women who suffer most during these tensions. We pray that this effort does not end with empty promises but real change.”
Globally, the challenge of managing rural land and livestock rights remains complex. However, innovative conflict resolution and transparent governance—as shown in the Gombe State approach—offer valuable lessons for societies dealing with similar challenges from the Sahel to East Africa and even beyond the continent.
What do you think needs to change for lasting harmony between farmers and herders in Nigeria and beyond? Share your insights and experiences in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for updates on this and related stories.
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