In a proactive initiative to tackle the persistent crisis among farmers and herders due to farm damages caused by cows, especially at the peak of the dry season, the Rural Development Programme (RUDEP) of the Justice Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC) of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, has advised farmers and herders to embrace peaceful coexistence in the interest of the overall community peace and development.

Speaking on the theme of the radio Programme “Peaceful co-existence between Farmers and Herders; a Panacea for Community and Agricultural Development” Morenike, the Head of Programme for ‘RUDEP’ in her wealth of experience, advocated for open dialogue and mutual understanding between Farmers and Herders to promote harmony within the agricultural community by proactively tackling potential causes of conflict and the subjects (Farmers and Herders), particularly, during the dry season.

Onaolapo gave the advice while participating on a weekly radio programme tagged ‘Idagbasoke’ sponsored by the Justice Development and Peace Makers’ Centre of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo on OSBC Radio 104.5FM

She sheds light on causes of conflicts among farmers and herders with active participation of the general public through live phone in session. Some of the suggested causes participatorily shared were night grazing, repeated/deliberate farm invasion by pastoralists, use of young/underage shepherds, wrong accusation of innocent pastoralists due to non-identification of farm invasion perpetrators by farmers, retaliation/revenge, impatient of victims and use of foul words.  

She, therefore, emphasized the imperative of holding regular meetings between the Herders’ Leaders and host community Leaders with the collaboration of other stakeholders to prevent and manage conflicts efficiently. For timely issue reporting, three phone lines were presented to the general public, including

the Chairman of sheriki Fulani in Osun State.

To report any related case of farm invasion, call JDPMC’s Office or NSCDC, Osun Command on this toll-free line: 080-000-121212.