The Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR), a project funded by the European Union (EU), has organised a two-day state-level Conflict prevention and mitigation dialogue for 200 participants in Katsina.
The multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening coordination, promoting peaceful coexistence, and preventing conflict during the 2026 farming season in Katsina.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakori, highlighted the significance of the training designed to equip communities, especially those in frontline areas, with conflict resolution skills and strategies for peaceful coexistence.
He cited successes recorded in communities such as Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, and Kankara, where trained stakeholders have helped in integrating peace agreements and reducing tensions between farmers and pastoralists.
The commissioner, however, noted that communities without such training often face challenges in maintaining peace due to lack of awareness and coordination.
He further called on stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting community peace to ensure a hitch-free farming season across the state.
The commissioner stressed that peace remained a critical requirement for agricultural productivity and economic growth, noting that farmers and cattle rearers could only thrive in a stable and secure environment.
According to him, community-based peacebuilding initiatives have proven to be effective in tackling conflicts, as they promote local ownership and participation in resolving disputes.
Bakori emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement, describing traditional and religious leaders as vital in fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among community members.
The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state government to supporting initiatives that promote peace and stability, particularly in rural communities.
Earlier, Mr Philip Ikita, Programme Manager at Mercy Corps, said the initiative was designed to reinforce peace and socio-economic stability in Northwest Nigeria through inclusive and locally driven approaches.
Ikita explained that the programme was built on the successes of previous interventions, particularly the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project, to address the root causes of recurring conflicts in the region.
He noted that the CPCRR Programme currently operates in 48 communities across 10 Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Katsina, focusing on enhancing resilience, strengthening livelihoods and promoting social cohesion.
According to him, the state-level dialogue is a multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening coordination among government institutions, communities and development partners.
“The objective is to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, identify potential conflict triggers, and develop practical strategies to mitigate tensions during the farming season,” he said.
Ikita added that the dialogue would also produce a joint action plan to guide conflict prevention efforts across affected communities.
According to him, the event is convened by Mercy Corps in collaboration with the Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock Development under the CPCRR Programme.
He said that the CPCRR Programme is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
