Building peace and social cohesion through farmer-herder cooperation.

In parts of Benue State, recurring farmer–herder conflicts have disrupted livelihoods, damaged markets, and weakened social cohesion. Competition over land and water resources in Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas has often escalated into tensions that threaten food security, economic stability, and community relationships.

With support from the SPRiNG Programme, GoGreen Environmental Health Sustainability Initiatives is helping communities address these challenges by promoting cooperation between farmers and pastoralists. By combining sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and inclusive dialogue, the initiative is helping reduce conflict while strengthening community resilience.

Intervention Highlights

The project began with community entry and conflict analysis in Guma and Makurdi LGAs, followed by joint agropastoral training sessions that brought farmers and herders together to learn sustainable land-use practices, improved grazing management, and crop production techniques.

To demonstrate the benefits of cooperation, demonstration farms were established where participants could apply new practices and share knowledge. The project also facilitated the creation of Community Peace Committees, equipping local leaders and stakeholders with the skills needed to mediate disputes and manage shared natural resources.

Engagement with traditional leaders, local authorities, and security actors further strengthened the legitimacy of the initiative and helped ensure that agreements between farmers and herders were respected.

Key Achievements

• 800 farmers and herders engaged in cooperative peacebuilding and agricultural activities

• 765 farmers and pastoralists trained in shared agropastoral skills

• 633 participants trained in bio-fertiliser production and use

• 952 participants trained in pasture preservation techniques

• 1,141 individuals trained in crop residue production and preservation

• 120 Community Peace Committee members trained in mediation and negotiation

• 70 local disputes peacefully resolved through community-led mediation

• Reopening of a previously closed community market, signalling improved trust and economic recovery

Impact

The intervention has significantly reduced tensions between farming and pastoral communities in Guma and Makurdi LGAs. By linking livelihood opportunities with conflict resolution mechanisms, the project demonstrates that cooperation around shared resources can build lasting peace.

Farmers and herders are now better equipped to manage land and water resources sustainably while resolving disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation. The reopening of a local market further reflects renewed economic activity and restored confidence between communities.

Read the full case study to learn how SPRiNG and GoGreen Environmental Health Sustainability Initiatives are strengthening cooperation, resilience, and peace in Benue State.