A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Christian Rural and Urban Development Association (CRUDAN) has launched its LiFeMiLE Spring Project, designed to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen community resilience in areas affected by recurring herder-farmer conflicts in Kaduna State.
CRUDAN Spring Project director, Mr Michael Agon, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting at Gwaben Hotel in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf local government area in the state.
Agon said the meeting was to bring together key community leaders, government representatives, and development partners to formally launch the LiFeMiLE project and outline its objectives.
He said: “The initiative will introduce innovative approaches such as live fencing to protect farmlands and community dialogue sessions aimed at fostering mutual understanding and sustainable sharing of resources.
“The project reflects the organisation’s commitment to peacebuilding and inclusive development.
“This initiative is about bridging divides and creating practical solutions that address both security and livelihood concerns in rural communities.”
The director said the project would be located in three communities, including Mifi in Kaura local government, Kpunyei, and Chenchuk in Zangon Kataf local government, and it would have three major targets for farmers and herders.
Agon said, “The project objectives include implementing eco-friendly and sustainable live fencing to control and prevent livestock from encroaching farmlands, reduce crop destruction, and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
“Create peaceful coexistence by addressing the root cause of disputes between farmers and herders through shared resource management and fostering mutual understanding.
“Improve social cohesion by strengthening the relationship between farmers and herders and pastoral communities through collaboration and dialogue, creating a foundation for peaceful coexistence and development.”
He further stated that part of the project’s activities would include participatory need assessment, stakeholders’ identification, and mapping.
Others are advocacy to relevant stakeholders, training and capacity building, and bi-weekly safe space meetings for trauma healing and reconciliation.
On the project sustainability, Agon said the project would ensure a community-centric delivery (CCD), with stakeholders’ active involvement, ensuring an active participation of farmers, local leaders, youths, women, as well as religious leaders.
“Leaders at every stage of the project would be engaged from the planning to implementation and monitoring to foster ownership and trust,” Agon said.
In a welcome address, Mr Joseph Gyandi, CRUDAN’s managing director, said the meeting marked the beginning of the critical journey towards building trust, especially in rural communities.
Gyandi said, “We believe that peace and development go hand in hand, and through the LiFeMiLE Project, we are creating avenues for dialogue, understanding, and practical measures that protect livelihoods while reducing tensions between farmers and herders.”
He said CRUDAN, a faith-based development organisation, has been active in promoting rural transformation and conflict resolution across Nigeria for decades.
Gyandi added that the LiFeMiLE project was one of its latest efforts to enhance harmony and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Also, Mr Patrick Katuka, CRUDAN’s board chairman, urged the participants at the meeting to leverage the opportunity and cooperate with the organisers so as to deliver on the set goals and objectives.
Representatives of traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, the Fulani community, and the security agencies attended the meeting.
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