SPRiNG Dissemination Workshop in Kano Highlights Evidence-Based Solutions to Resource-Based Conflicts

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), convened stakeholders in Kano State for a one-day dissemination workshop to share findings from three studies. These are: The Study of Farming Practices in relation to farmer-herder conflicts; the study of Pastoral Practices in relation to farmer-herder conflicts, and Grazing Reserves, Stock Routes, and Pastoral Resources in Nigeria.

The workshop brought together policymakers, government MDAs, researchers, community leaders, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, civil society actors, development partners, and community-based organisations, such as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), reflecting SPRiNG’s inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach. These stakeholders discussed the implications of the studies and co-created practical action plans to uptake the research recommendations to inform peacebuilding, policymaking, and resource management across Nigeria’s conflict-prone communities in the North-West.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader of SPRiNG, emphasized the importance of grounding peacebuilding and resilience programming in robust evidence. He said, “The findings from these studies provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of resource-based conflict in Nigeria. By translating this evidence into policy and practice, we can design more responsive and sustainable solutions that promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.” 

Representatives from the FCDO and Kano State Government commended SPRiNG’s continued efforts towards strengthening evidence-driven decision-making and locally led interventions that address conflicts, promote collaborative natural resource management, and strengthen resilience. They emphasised that evidence-based approaches, such as those presented in the research findings, are crucial to addressing the root causes of violent conflicts, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering collaborative natural resource management.

The studies examined how competition over land and pastoral resources, ecological changes, farming and pastoral practices, and governance structures impact farmer–herder relations. They also assessed the role of grazing reserves and stock routes in either mitigating or exacerbating resource-based tensions. Discussions during the workshop focused on validating findings, identifying policy opportunities, and outlining inter-agency collaborations and concrete actions to uptake research findings and recommendations to support implementation at both state and federal levels.

Sambo Abdulkadir, SPRiNG’s Regional Manager for North-West Nigeria, in his final remarks, noted that the workshop underscored the programme’s commitment to partnership and adaptive learning, saying: “This engagement reinforces SPRiNG’s role as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and evidence sharing. By bringing stakeholders together, we’re not only validating research findings, but also ensuring that communities and institutions are equipped to respond effectively to local realities.”

The dissemination workshop is part of SPRiNG’s broader mission to strengthen institutional conflict management capacities, promote social inclusion, and foster adaptive, evidence-informed programming across Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions.

About SPRiNG

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme is a four-year initiative (2024-2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management and response, boost public confidence in key institutions, and create greater incentives for peace. 

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