How to end farmers, herders crisis, by think tank

The federal government has been urged to constitute an inter-ministerial committee with experts and stakeholder membership to draw up a new policy framework on the farmers-pastoralists crisis.

A think-tank, the Nigerian Working Group on Peace Building and Governance, made the suggestion in a memorandum it released yesterday. (See memo on page 10 and 11)

Members of the group include Professor Ibrahim Gambari, retired General Martin Luther Agwai, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Professor Attahiru Jega, Dr. Chris Kwaja, Ambassador Fatima Balla, Dr. Nguyan Fesse, Mrs. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode and Mallam Y. Z. Ya’u

They said the new framework to be developed should be both comprehensive and mutually beneficial to both groups so as to put an end to the “orgy of killings and destruction that is not only destroying livelihoods but also affecting national cohesion.”

“There must be a consultative process that listens to the concerns of all stakeholders in developing the new framework so that the outcome would have national ownership. Pastoralism is not sustainable in Nigeria over the long term due to high population growth rate, expansion of farming and loss of pasture and cattle routes.

“At the same time, pastoralism cannot end or be prohibited in the short term, as there are strong cultural and political economy reasons for its existence,” the group said, adding that the new policy should develop a plan for a transitional period during which new systems would be put in place.” (More on pages 10 & 11)