In an effort to curb recurring farmers–herders clashes in Kogi State, key stakeholders across Okun land on Wednesday converged on Kabba for a high-level training on Alternative Dispute Resolution, aimed at equipping communities with practical tools to prevent conflicts, protect livelihoods, and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

The two day training on Alternative Dispute Resolution for livestock farmers and host community was organised by Global Peace Development under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), a World Bank-assisted initiative, brought together key stakeholders including community leaders, farmers and pastoralist associations, civil society groups, and members of the media.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Kabba , the Executive Director of Global Peace Development, Ebruke Onajite Esike, said the initiative was designed to build local capacity for preventing and resolving disputes through non-violent means.

Esike commended the Kogi State Government, L-PRES, and the World Bank for their sustained commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, community resilience, and sustainable livestock development across the state.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious leaders, as well as community stakeholders, noting that their roles remain critical in fostering harmony and supporting development efforts.

According to him, the prosperity of farming and pastoral communities depends not only on agricultural productivity but also on peaceful relationships and mutual understanding.

“Where farmers and pastoralists coexist peacefully, livelihoods are protected, communities thrive, and local economies grow,” he said.

Esike, however, noted that increasing pressure on land, water, and other natural resources continues to trigger disputes, which, if not properly managed, could undermine development gains.

He explained that the training would equip about 200 participants from across the state with practical skills in mediation, negotiation, conflict prevention, early warning and response mechanisms, and community-based dispute resolution approaches.

The Executive Director urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, share experiences, and apply the knowledge gained to promote peace in their respective communities.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with government and development partners to strengthen peaceful coexistence and support sustainable livestock development through inclusive, locally driven approaches.

Esike also called on the media to support peace-building efforts through responsible reporting that promotes understanding and resilience within the livestock value chain.

Dr. Danjuma Mohammad the training coordinator , Global Peace Development while speaking on the effect of conflict in the society said conflict can be prevented when the people in a community embrace peaceful coexistence among themselves.

According to him , the purpose of the training is to ensure that peace exist between farmers and herders in Kogi west to enable the communities enjoy bumper harvest and improve livestock production to increase their income.

He however admonished farmers and herders to always avoid behavior that can cause conflict and resulted to crisis.

One of the participants E.J.K Durojaiye who spoke on behalf of other said time has come where peace shall rain in Okun land.

While commending Global Peace Development (GPD) and L-PRESS for organizing the training, he advised the organizers to adopt inclusivity in their activities in order to foster unity and peace among the people in the communities.

“We should love ourselves just the way our forefather did that enable them to live peacefully without any rancour”

The two training is expected to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and contribute to reducing conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Kogi state.