The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has sensitised farmers and herders to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable agricultural development.
Business and Marketing Development Officer, VCDP in Niger, Mrs. Elizabeth Isah, said this at a promotion and sensitisation of Conflict Resolution through Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) in Mokwa, Edati, and Borgu Loca Government Areas of the State.
She said the initiative was taken by IFAD-VCDP to foster harmonious and peaceful relationships among farmers and herders to enhance agricultural productivity.
“The sensitisation organised by IFAD-VCDP, aimed to educate farmers and herders on effective conflict resolution strategies through CAF,” she said.
Isah noted that development relies heavily on conflict resolution, stressing that IFAD has zero-tolerance towards conflicts to ensure long-term sustainability of its projects.
The Resource Person at the sensitisation, Mr Julius Karma, said conflicts often arise from clashes between economic interests and value systems, particularly among farmers and herders competing for limited land.
“With the growing population, pressure intensifies as farmers seek to produce crops and herders seek grazing land, leading to clashes between them.
“Unresolved issues increases tensions, parties involved in conflict should seek always dialogue for amicable resolution,” he said.
He said conflicts were an inherent aspect of human interaction but can be destructive as well as beneficial resulting in positive change and growth when peacefully resolved among both parties.
Similarly, Rural Institution Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer, VCDP in Niger, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar, said it has received reports of some farmers exploiting their positions to sexually harass and abuse women and children.
“Cases of men harassing women and vice versa have been received, IFAD-VCDP is against such behaviour as it is a deviation from the project’s objectives,” she said.
She disclosed that soon, farmers would be sensitised and trained on their roles and responsibilities to combat sexual harassment to ensure a safer environment for all.
The Village Head of Mokwa, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, represented by Alhaji Adamu Ndarafi, Magajin Rafi, commended IFAD’s agricultural development intervention and farmers and herders to live in harmony for sustainable growth.
The sensitisation was attended by stakeholders, village heads, local government chairmen, farmers, Miyetti Allah, Divisional Officers of Police, and NSCDC.
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