US support peace building between farmers, herders in Taraba

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with a coalition of international and local partners, successfully concluded a community-driven conflict mitigation intervention.

In a press release by Public Affairs section of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, said the intervention is to restore peaceful coexistence among farmers and herders in vulnerable communities of Nigeria. The statement read:

“Called Engaging Local Actors to Promote Peaceful Coexistence among Farmers and Herders in Taraba State (ELAPC), the activity focused on ten communities across four local government areas (LGAs) in Taraba State where violent conflict has damaged relationships along ethnic, political, and religious backgrounds.

“Over the last two years, ELAPC brought together more than 3,600 representatives of farmers and herders, Muslims and Christians, women and youth, as well as people living with disability, to identify and address the drivers of the conflict and adopt inclusive strategies to reduce a culture of violence in the communities. “This activity has made a real difference for peaceful coexistence in communities, demonstrating that even a modest initiative with communities and local officials can promote more robust collaboration between government and civil society and be real catalysts for positive change,” USAID Mission Director Anne E. Patterson told participants at the ceremony.