By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, a World Bank-assisted intervention in Bauchi State, in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has commenced a five-day capacity-building training for members of the State Conflict Prevention Committee.
The training is aimed at strengthening the committee’s capacity to prevent crises and mitigate conflicts across the state, with particular emphasis on addressing recurring farmers-herders clashes through dialogue, early warning mechanisms and peaceful conflict resolution.
Declaring the training open, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi, said the programme would complement the state government’s efforts to promote lasting peace and social harmony, particularly in conflict-prone communities.
He noted that the government is creating an enabling environment through appropriate legislation and enforcement measures, including protecting designated grazing routes, to reduce the incidence of conflicts between farmers and herders.
Dr. Lukshi urged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in their respective communities and across the state.
Earlier, the Bauchi State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Dr. Musa Adamu One, who was represented by Mr. Habila Danlami, explained that Component Three of the project focuses on providing critical community infrastructure that addresses some of the root causes of conflict.
According to him, such facilities include grazing reserves, cattle watering points, livestock markets and modern abattoirs, all designed to minimise disputes and improve livestock productivity.
Also speaking, the representative of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Barrister Paul Andrew, stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He said the training would enhance the capacity of participants to promote dialogue, mediate disputes and sustain peaceful coexistence in their communities.
He commended the Bauchi State Government for its commitment to conflict prevention and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among residents.
Our correspondent reports that more than 100 participants drawn from community-based groups and the State Conflict Prevention and Mitigation Committee are participating in the training.
A communiqué containing key resolutions and recommendations is expected at the conclusion of the five-day programme.
