Farmer-Herder coalitions promoting collaborative production systems.

In Kaduna State, persistent farmer-herder conflicts have long threatened community stability. Crop destruction, shrinking grazing routes, water scarcity, and weak conflict resolution mechanisms fueled mistrust between farmers and herders. Poverty and limited access to financial services further deepened these tensions, often escalating into violent incidents that undermined social cohesion and livelihoods.

The Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative (AWOYDI), supported by the SPRiNG Programme, is transforming this landscape by fostering locally-led peace structures, sustainable agriculture, and economic empowerment. By linking dialogue, shared livelihoods, and financial inclusion, AWOYDI creates practical pathways for cooperation and conflict prevention.

Intervention Highlights

AWOYDI implemented a community-driven peacebuilding approach, establishing inclusive Farmers-Herders Coalitions in Zango Kataf, Kaura, and Jema’a LGAs. These coalitions, registered as cooperatives, function as safe spaces for dialogue, joint problem-solving, and early conflict response. Agriculture served as the entry point for collaboration, with joint demonstration farms, homestead gardens, and elephant grass planting fostering shared ownership and mutual benefit.

The initiative also created Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), empowering rural women and youth with access to formal financial services. Members save weekly, access microloans, and collectively plan for long-term economic goals, further cementing community cooperation.

Key Achievements

• 90 registered coalition members across three LGAs promoting dialogue and collaboration

• 9 communities reporting reduced tensions and improved trust

• 300+ rural women and youth gained access to formal financial services via 13 VSLAs

• 500 women and youth trained in regenerative agro-pastoralism, peace dialogue, and economic empowerment

• Violent incidents reduced from 12–15 per month to 4–6 per month

• Historic agreements reopened grazing routes and facilitated joint resource management

• ₦17,517,276 saved across VSLA groups in three pilot communities

• 6 wheelchairs donated to Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) to support inclusive community development

Impact

AWOYDI demonstrates that when farmers and herders are economically invested in each other’s success, peace becomes sustainable. By transforming zero-sum conflicts into shared prosperity, the initiative strengthens social cohesion, boosts agricultural productivity, improves food security, and empowers women and youth. Community-led financial institutions, mediation structures, and cooperative farming models have proven that collaboration can prevent violent escalation and foster resilient, peaceful communities.

Read the full case study to see how SPRiNG and AWOYDI are building trust, resilience, and shared prosperity in Kaduna State.