Figure 1: The Secretary to the Nasarawa State Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) reading the minute of the 11th PAD.
FINAL REPORT: SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 – AUGUST 31, 2020 Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Belief in Nigeria’s Middle Belt OCTOBER 30, 2020
Contract Number: 6002993 Funding Period: September 1, 2018 – August 31, 2020
Sher Nawaz Abou El Mahassine Fassi-Fifri Nigeria Country Director West Africa Regional Director Search for Common Ground Search for Common Ground House # 11, 6th Avenue, Dakar, Senegal Gwarinpa, Abuja, Nigeria [email protected] [email protected]
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report
Table of Contents
1. Scope of Work Summary 3 2.Executive Summary 4 3 Context Update 5 4. Activities Contributing to Objective 1 7 5. Activities Contributing to Objective 2 13 6. Activities Contributing to Objective 3 16 7. M&E Activities 19 8.Sustainability 21 9. Output Tracker 22 Annex A: Details of Transformative Dialogue Processes 23 Annex B: Details of CSAD Meetings 24 Annex C: CSAD Action Plans 25 Annex D: PAD Action Plans 35 Annex E: Details from Advocacy and Bilateral Meetings 36 Annex F: Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtable Communiques 38
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Scope of Work Summary Search for Common Ground (Search) began implementing the 24-month project entitled “Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Belief in Nigeria’s Middle Belt” on September 1, 2018, with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project was designed to address the escalation in the violence and the loss of human lives and property as a result of farmers-herders conflicts in Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states.
Search believes that if key governmental institutions, security forces, civil society organizations, and critical community actors come together as partners with shared skills and knowledge regarding the implications of impunity, accountability, rule of law, and current responses to farmer-herder conflicts, then they will build a strong collaboration that can effectively identify and implement initiatives to address the causes, drivers, and consequences of farmer-herder conflicts, combat impunity, and strengthen the rule of law and accountability measures for the prevention of violence and protection of human lives, and the rights and dignity of people.
The overall goal to contribute to preventing violence and the destruction of lives and properties resulting from protracted violent conflicts between farmers and herders while combating impunity and promoting the freedom of religions and belief in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. The overall goal is supported by three specific objectives and three expected results, which guide the project’s activities:
● Objective 1: To increase collaboration between farmer and herder communities to develop joint, effective, sustainable local mechanisms for early warning response, dispute management, and violence prevention and mitigation at the community level; o Expected Result 1.1: Farmer and herder communities expand ownership over a sustained and scaled peace and community security architecture and early warning system that includes law enforcement, government, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders for prevention of violence and address the causes, drivers, and consequences of farmer-herder conflicts. o Expected Result 1.2: Farmer and herder communities improved engagement and collaboration with policymakers at state and federal level on effective response to prevent violence, promote freedom of religion and belief, enhance the rule of law, and address the causes, drivers, and consequences of violent farmer-herder conflicts. ● Objective 2: To mobilize religious leaders and policymakers to jointly counter violent rhetoric through positive public messages of religious pluralism and respect of human rights; and o Expected Result 2.1: Civil society actors and community actors engage government actors to address impunity and strengthen accountability measures for effective response in preventing and mitigating violent farmer-herder conflicts. o Expected Result 2.2: Relevant federal government and focal state governments have improved and comprehensive approach to prevent violence and impunity, enhanced accountability by responders to protect the rights of both farmers and herders.
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report
● Objective 3: To enhance public understanding of the farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases, and negative narratives that fuel violence. o Expected Result 3.1: Increased availability of objective, neutral, and conflict sensitive analysis and information related to farmer-herder issues, including the herder community’s perspective of the conflict, for the public. o Expected Result 3.2: Improved capacity of the media to provide coverage on addressing impunity, enhancing accountability and the rule of law in addressing the causes, drivers, and consequences of farmer-herder conflict in the focal states.
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1. Executive Summary
Search launched the project “Transforming the Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religion and Beliefs in Nigeria’s Middle-Belt” with funding from the government of the Netherlands in September, 2018. The activities under the three objectives of the project were implemented in the three target states of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau. This report captures the impacts and outcomes of the project for the period covering 1st September, 2018 to 31st August 2020. The activities under the three objectives of the project were implemented in the three target states of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau and eight flashpoint or high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs), namely Guma and Otukpo in Benue state, Doma and Keana in Nasarawa state, and Barkin- Ladi, Riyom, Jos North and Jos South in Plateau state. The project built on existing platforms to establish Community Security Architecture Dialogues (CSAD) in each of the 8 target LGAs and 3 Peace Architecture Dialogues (PAD) in each of the target states and has through its initiatives deepened the peace and improved relationships between and among stakeholders in the region. Community members have braced securing their environment among themselves and in collaboration with relevant and respective government actors in order
Figure 1: Woman leader speaking at intra-dialogue in to reduce violence as well as restore peace. Jos North LGA of Plateau state, November 2018 With the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Search experienced some disruptions in already planned physical activities on the project as a result of the restriction of movements and gatherings across the Country. As a result, Search’s team conducted an assessment with its stakeholders to determine the best platform to continue implementation of Project activities despite the pandemic which led to implementation of virtual State Peace Architecture Dialogue meetings while Search team continued to give technical support to the CSADs in their various communities and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Search implemented 6 trainings on conflict transformation, human rights, and dialogue to build their capacity to address the issues raised in the platform. These platforms not only provide a space for collaboration between farmer and herder communities on conflict issues, but they have also increased relationships and information sharing directly from communities with state and LGA government authorities and security agencies. To facilitate an immediate response to issues at the community level, Search organized nine series of intra- and inter-dialogues, made up of 9 inter-dialogues and 18 intra-dialogues, with flashpoint communities in the target LGAs. Search organized three Conflict Sensitivity trainings, one in each state. This activity was followed up with 6 Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtables, two in each of the three target states, with 3 held physically and 3 held virtually as a result of restriction of gatherings and movement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to enhance public understanding of the
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and, countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases and negative narratives that fuel violence. Search convened 75 Community Security Architecture Dialogues which provided the space for conflict management, linkages and early warning and response to farmer and herder conflicts across 8 hotspot conflict LGAs (Guma and Otukpo in Benue State, Doma and Keana at Nasarawa State and Riyom, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs at
Plateau State in the Project States. Search convened 33 Figure 2: Men’s Group discussion during the State level Peace Architecture Dialogue follow up farmers intra dialogue held in Jos south LGA of Plateau state, November 2018. meetings which allowed for improved collaboration amongst stakeholders, resolution of lingering farmer and herder conflicts during dialogue engagements implemented by the PADs and development of strategies for the sustainability of the State PAD in Benue and Nasarawa States. 4 Conflict Sensitivity and Human Rights trainings were held for Government actors across the project states on the dynamics of the farmer-herder conflict approaches for responding to incidents in communities in ways to prevent reprisal attacks and de-escalate conflicts. 3 Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogues were convened with stakeholders from the State Peace Architecture Dialogue which led to a consensus on the causes, drivers and consequences of farmer-herder conflict in the states and development of strategies and recommendations via a communique aimed at addressing the conflicts across the states and at the region. Search supported advocacy and bilateral meetings which secured the commitment of stakeholders across the states on the sustainability of the PAD and also supported resolution of emerging conflicts such as kidnap, attack on farmers and herders, incessant arrests, drug and substance abuse and crop destruction in hotspot areas in the project states. A total of 717 contents targeting Government, Civil Society, Ethnic and Religious based organisations were published by the media fellows on the Project. Search supported 1 reflection and sustainability meeting with the media fellows which featured a review on the impact and challenges of the fellowship as well as development of strategies for the sustainability of the fellowship beyond the project. Search also produced contents for social media campaigns comprising of 17 episodes of an audio drama titled “Our Heritage” and 2 podcasts with Government stakeholders focused on conflict transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic which had contributed to dispelling rumors, hate speech and improving the citizens' understanding of conflict drivers for increased collaboration between farmers and herders and disseminated across Search’s social media platforms.
On the Project, Search engaged a total of 6,345 participants (male-4461, female-1884) in the three target states while 53,998 persons were reached through the Social Media Engagements.
The project made the following notable outcomes and impacts during the implementation Period:
● Participants from the conflict transformation, dialogue and human rights training have reported improved ability to resolve conflicts, understanding of human rights, the modalities for reporting incidences of human rights abuse and violations. A participant’s testimonial form the post
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training evaluation states that “Now I can talk better to my family, community members and build stronger relationships and strengthen unity in the community going forward.” While another participant noted that “This workshop enabled me to understand that human rights are important to be considered and learned that all human beings have rights.” (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1) ● Stakeholders from the farmers and herders groups have testified that the transformative dialogues implemented on the Project have been able to break the silence and agitations between both groups who over the years have had no opportunity to sit in one room to discuss their issues. In Benue state, since 2017 no one in the state has dared to bring these two groups together and without resulting into violence. Search’s dialogues were able to overcome these barriers. Similarly, the inter-dialogue in Riyom LGA was the first time the two communities of Mahanga, a majority herder settlement, and Jol, a majority farmer settlement, met together to discuss peace after 18 years of hostilities. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.2) ● The Middle Belt Peace Architecture Dialogue platform convened on the project with members drawn from the three major hotspot states in the Middle Belt Region (Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States) has provided the space for stakeholders comprising of Policy makers, Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, Ethnic groups and Community Representatives to jointly identify the issues, profer recommendations and implement strategic action plans such as the engagements with the various State level stakeholders towards addressing cross cutting issues within the region. The 5 man Executives who were elected from the first RPAD held in December 2019 have continued to coordinate the activities of the group virtually through a whatsapp group for the platform. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.1 and 2.2) ● Individuals engaged in the project through any of the activities have reported that their views of others’ identity has changed, their approaches shifted from adversarial to non-adversarial, they have assist others to resolve their conflict, they are more alert to early warning signals, and are more informed about who should respond and how to properly channel information to leaders and authorities. Furthermore, many of the participants trained on conflict transformation, human rights, and dialogue carried out step-down training in their communities and organizations, resulting in more stakeholders being reached indirectly. (This is linked to Expected Results 1.1, 1.2) ● All the established CSADs through their continued engagements also got relevant support from the Local Government which has contributed to the sustainability of the engagements of the CSADs beyond this project. The CSAD members have begun the process of taking ownership of their engagements through commencement of registration processes of the CSADs as legal Associations at the LGA levels and convening self-sponsored sensitization meetings on Government policy and laws towards mitigation of farmer and herder conflicts. All the CSADs in the project States have designed their letterheads while Otukpo CSAD in Benue State is in its final registration stage with the LGA. Riyom and Barkin Ladi CSADs in Plateau State have also begun the process of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1) ● After several meetings and recommendations of the CSAD members, the chairman of Otukpo LGA through the Benue State government donated a Hilux van to the vigilante group for
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effective response on security issues at the community level, demonstrating local ownership of the approach and engagement for its sustainability. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1, 1.2)
● In Benue State the PAD members worked with the Search team to conduct a sensitization meeting on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law amongst its members and other strategic groups in the state such as socio-cultural , youth and women groups as well as professional bodies such as Women Wing of Jamatu Nasril Islam (a muslim dominated group), Christian Association of Nigeria, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Benue Network of NGOs, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, Traditional Leaders, Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) amongst others. This initiative was followed by a lot of testimonies from all participants through the insight and better understanding the sensitization afforded them. Most members of the PAD and leaders from socio-cultural groups in Benue state, such as the Tiv, Agatu, Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Etilo and the Jukun Etilo said that this is the first time they understood all that are contained in the law prohibiting open grazing in Benue. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.1) ● On 8th November, 2019 the Chairman of Otukpo LGA Traditional Council (The Ochi of Otukpo) organized a Sensitization/Awareness meeting with the herders in the LGA where they discussed how herders will conduct themselves and organized their cattle in one place not to allow movement in the communities. During the meeting it was reported that herders were not adhering to the open grazing prohibition law in the LGA. The Herders present in the meeting then made commitments to respect the law to avoid penalty on the implementation of the law in the LGA which has greatly improved the compliance level and reduced the conflicts arising as a result of crop destruction in the LGA. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1) ● The Local Government Council of Guma LGA in Benue State has committed to sponsoring the CSAD meeting, while Barkin-Ladi LGA in Plateau state has committed to support dialogue meetings technically and financially for community leaders and Ardos, initiated by platform members that will strengthen peaceful coexistence in the LGA. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1)
● The PAD in Benue State worked with Search and The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out sensitization on the impact of drug abuse especially in relation to how it serves as a driver of farmer herder conflicts in the State and the region at large. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.1) ● The CSADs across the Project Communities have continued to convey self-sponsored meetings even after the closeout meeting from Search’s funding. Discussions around pending action plans that need to be implemented and a resolution to include more key stakeholders like the Barkin- Ladi youth council chairman, steering committee members of an identified inter-faith group and the Secretary of a group from the host community (Berom Mother’s group) for more impact and result based approaches on community security was agreed. Other CSADs that had continued to meet and engage after the formal close out of Search’s funding include: Keana and Doma
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CSADs in Nasarawa State, Guma and Otukpo CSADs in Benue State and Jos North, Jos South and Riyom CSADs in Plateau State. The CSADs are also engaging its stakeholders at the LGA level for support towards its sustainability and in the processes of finalizing their various formal registration at the LGA and Corporate Affairs Commission levels. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.2)
● The CSADs in Otukpo and Guma LGAs in Benue State contributed to the peaceful conduct of the LGA election in the state held on 30th May 2020. Specific activities implemented include: continuous sensitization on non-violent election via WhatsApp with youth and relevant stakeholders and door to door sensitizations. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1)
● CSAD members of Keana LGA led by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leader averted what could have been a reprisal attack in Ogbosi Doma community in Doma LGA where a herder grazing on a farm field was stoned on the head and died of injury allegedly caused by a farmer and was identified by the CSAD members. The case was reported to the security who moved into action and arrested the suspect. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1)
● Nasarawa State Ministry of Information has supported the publicity of the activities of the State Peace Architecture Dialogue through its weekly radio program which sensitizes the citizens on happenings around the state on the State’s owned Media establishment, Nasarawa State broadcasting Commission which is aired every Thursday towards promoting its engagements and sustainability beyond Search’s funding. The Program has engaged members of the State PAD as guest speakers who have sensitized the citizens on the engagements of the State Peace Architecture Dialogue in the State. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.1, 3.1)
● The Paramount Traditional Rulers of Keana and Doma LGA namely the Osana of Keana and Andoma of Doma in Nasarawa State have made commitments to supporting the engagements of Nasarawa State Peace Architecture Dialogue particularly the establishment of a State Peace Organisation towards promoting sustainable peace in the state. “In the words of Andoma of Doma, we have been reminded of our responsibilities today and what we have been doing to ensure peace is sustained in our domain”. Demands presented during the visits include: Continuous participation and support for Figure 3: Members of Nasarawa PAD during the Advocacy visit to the activities of the CSAD in the LGAs and PAD at State level. (This Osana of Keana held in March 2020 is linked to Expected Result 1.1)
● Search, as a result of the impact of its interventions in Nasarawa State, has been inaugurated into Nasarawa State Community Policing Advisory Committee. The role of Search and other Stakeholders on the Committee is to advise Nasarawa State Government on technical issues relating to
Figure 4: Representative of SFCG and Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA other Community Policing Advisory9 Committee members during the inauguration ceremony in March 2020 Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report
Peacebuilding, Community Policing and Conflict management. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.2)
● As a result of its active participation on the Steering Committee of Nasarawa PAD, MACBAN, the umbrella Organisation of Herders in Nasarawa State, has been conferred the award of Ambassador for Peace by Samuel Eduviere Global Ministries in affiliation with Association of interfaith Bishops and Ministers of Nigeria. The award was to acknowledge the Organization’s exemplary style of living which prioritizes the interest of others, promotes global moral values, inter-religious cooperation, peace and harmony. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.1)
● The dialogues supported by the State Peace Architecture Dialogue and Search in Benue State as part of its PAD follow up meetings towards addressing the recurring incidents on conflicts between farmers and herders, across 16 conflict prone communities at Guma, Otukpo and Obi LGAs, has contributed to the reduction in the conflicts incidents reported from over 60 incidents in quarter 3 to 15 incidents in quarter 4. The Stakeholders across the communities had also continued to implement the strategies and action plans developed from the dialogues thus promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, designating grazing routes to prevent cattle grazing on farmlands and agreement on modalities for providing water for the cattle. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.2, 2.1)
● The Peace Architecture Dialogue in Nasarawa State has received funding commitments from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs who was elected as the new Chairman of the State PAD and has agreed to fund the PAD meetings after the end of Search’s funding in August 2020. This has led to the sustainability of the PAD in Nasarawa State through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs with PAD meetings convened in the month of October 2020. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1)
● In order to sustain the transformative dialogues held with farmers and herders across 10 hotspot communities (Doka, Gborigo, Ajimanka, Tunga Manja, Oluwa, Okpatta, Idadu Communities in Doma LGA, Menkat, Mambial and Tsokluut in Shendam LGA) in Nasarawa and Plateau States respectively, the Community Leaders have set up Peace committees immediately after the dialogues with the responsibility of coordinating the implementation of the resolutions and action plans from the dialogues. The Peace Committees have continued to lead the resolution of emerging incidents between farmers and herders across the communities. (This is linked to Expected Result 1.1) ● Stakeholders on the platform of the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue (RPAD) have resolved to continue with the engagements even after the end of the Transforming the Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Promoting the Freedom of Religion and Beliefs in Nigeria’s Middle Belt project. They also have produced two communiques which sums up the joint farmers and herders issues affecting the region and the proposed recommendations for engaging the various Governments at the Regional, State and Local Government levels. Communique for the three
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RPADs convened on the project is contained in Annex F of this report. (This is linked to Expected Result 2.2)
2. Context Update
Nigeria’s North Central is a highly fertile and often regarded as the green region of the country and well known as the “food basket of the nation” for its high level of agricultural productivity. During the Period of implementation of this Project, the region saw several political developments related to the general elections held in early 2019, and an increasingly fragile security situation. Issues of cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, substance abuse, illegal migration, and intra ethnic clashes, attacks and arrests of farmers and herders, encroachment on farmland and crop destruction, disruption of activities as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic were reported across the region. They include the following:
1. Inter-community Tensions The project started amidst an outbreak of violence in some LGAs of Plateau state, including Bokkos, Ryom, Jos North, and Jos South following an incident on September 25, 2018 where some herders and soldiers allegedly attacked a community along Rukuba Road in Jos North LGA, killing 14 persons (including nine from a single family) because they were suspected to have been involved in the death of a Fulani boy while he was out grazing cattle.1 The incident ignited spontaneous protests from youth within the area, which later snowballed into violent confrontations with security forces. Just a few days later, on September 30, more violence erupted around Dutse Uku, University of Jos, and Tina Junction in Jos North LGA. This time the fighting was along religious lines, between Muslims and Christian as a spillover of the violence of the September 25 and also a reprisal attack for Christians and Muslims killed as a result of the conflict. The state government reacted by imposing a curfew and declared ‘sit-at home’ movement restriction for the affected areas. Security forces were mobilized to respond to incidents, which also resulted in several allegations of human rights abuses by military personnel in this period. This lasted until October 4, when the calm returned and the movement restrictions and curfew were lifted, although a ban on public processions was still in place.
Also in September 2018, the Nigerian Army’s Director of Administration went missing in Plateau state. In the course of searching for remains of the general, security forces ransacked the community and residents indiscriminately arresting and detaining people. This led to serious tension in the state as the issue took a religious and political dimension. The general was a Muslim and was found dead in a Christian flashpoint community that had experienced a recurrent cycle of violent conflicts between the Berom Christians and Fulani Muslims. There was fear of reprisal attack in other Muslim communities even after eight major stakeholders in the community, including the District Head and youth leaders were arrested.
1 Seriki Adinoyi, “Violence Erupts in Jos as Unknown Gunmen Kill 14 People,” This Day, September 28, 2018. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/09/28/violence-erupts-in-jos-as-unknown-gunmen-kill-14-people/ Friday Olokor and Afeez Hanafi, “Lalong declares curfew as gunmen murder eight family members, two others in Jos,” Punch, September 29, 2018. https://punchng.com/lalong-declares-curfew-as-gunmen-murder-eight-family-members-two-others-in-jos/ Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 11
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Search’s Response: These incidents led to Search expanding the scope of the project to include Jos North and Jos South LGAs, doubling the number of LGAs in Plateau state targeted by the project. In order to respond to the tensions between Muslim and Christian communities following the violence, Search organized a round of transformative dialogues (Activity 1.1) between the communities in Jos North LGA immediately following the outbreak to address the conflict between communities and de-escalate tensions.
On June 17, 2019 in Plateau State, four people, including a soldier, were killed and over 50 houses burnt down during an attack in Tubun-Rong village in Riyom LGA by unknown gunmen.2 The villagers reported that the attackers were herders but this was not confirmed. This incident raised tension in the immediate community and other neighboring LGAs. Search’s Response: Search project team used the CSAD platform in the LGA to investigate and synergize the responses of different actors to stop the situation escalating. This was achieved with strategic response and engagement of community leaders in the area by members of the CSAD in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
In Benue State, incidents of communal conflicts, including both farmer-herders clashes and gang-related violence, continued to result in the loss of lives and properties. On June 30, 2019, 25 people were allegedly killed with several others injured in Agbaduma-Okololo village, Agatu LGA of Benue State in an attack carried out by suspected armed youths from neighboring Abugbe community. The attackers also burned down several houses in the incident. Search’s Response: Search provided continuous context updates during project platform meetings to raise awareness on how to avoid such incidents, de- escalate tensions, and build synergy with the security agencies. The PAD and CSADs in Benue state discussed this issue and established a committee to conduct further intervention. As Otukpo LGA is very close to Agatu LGA, the CSAD successfully mobilized to prevent any spill-over of violence from the conflict.
2. Election-related Violence Prior to the general elections in February and March 2019, several states in the region did not conduct LGA elections but rather constituted ‘Caretaker’ LGA Chairpersons holding offices temporarily, as opposed to officially elected ones. As the general election approaches, many of the incumbent governors rushed into conducting local government elections which was followed by violent reactions from people in those states as the residents considered these last minute elections to be rigged and protested against the result of the elections.
Nigeria’s presidential and gubernatorial elections were initially scheduled for February 16 and March 2, 2019 respectively. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed each election by a week hours before polls were planned to open, citing logistical challenges in getting electoral materials to polling stations on time. In some LGAs, the elections were further delayed due to electoral violence or inconclusive results. In the Northern Senatorial Zone of Plateau State, polling was delayed until March 9, when voting for the presidential, gubernatorial, and state assembly elections
2 Adekunle, “Gunmen kill solider, 3 others in Plateau,” Vanguard, June 18, 2019. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/gunmen-kill-solider-3-others-in-plateau/ Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 12
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report were carried out alongside each other. The results of gubernatorial election in Plateau and Benue states were initially declared inconclusive, raising tension until both were rescheduled and successfully conducted and a winner announced. The other contestants did not accept the outcome of the election result and decided to take the case to the tribunal courts. These cases are currently ongoing in Nasarawa and Plateau states.
Implications for Search: These repeated shifts in election days, affected project implementation as activities were repeatedly shifted to ensure staff and participants were able to vote and were not put at risk by organizing field activities during the election period and following the announcement of results when tensions in communities were high. Furthermore, many of the project activities targeted government officials and other key stakeholders that were not available in the election period as they were involved in campaign rallies and other electioneering activities. The newly elected governors were sworn into office in May 2019. However, the three project focal states delayed in forming their cabinets and heads of parastatals, further affecting mobilization of participants for project activities targeting government officials and other key stakeholders who are yet to be identified, pending their appointment to office. By July 2019, most states officials were fully appointed and Search’s project team as able to conduct introductory advocacy visits.
3. Arrest of cattle and herders: From September to November 2019, the number of arrests of herders and their cattle by Livestock Guards along boundary communities located in the States of Nasarawa and Benue increased. The communities where these arrests were made include Doma, Keana, Obi and Awe (located in Nasarawa) and Guma in Benue state. These arrests increased tensions in the border communities, leading to continuous hostilities between Fulani and the Tiv communities, especially in Guma and Otukpo LGAs of Benue State. On 27th September, 2019 some Tiv youths burned down a Fulani settlement in Garri village/Ewulo community. The increase in the number of arrests of herders by the Livestock Guards can be linked to the little knowledge communities have about the existence of the open grazing prohibition and establishment of ranches law in Benue State. The risk and fear of reprisal attacks increased in the affected communities. Also, in Benue State, the Executive Governor and the MACBAN Chairman apologized to each other at a wedding and both parties agreed to work together for a win-win solution in handling farmer- herder’s conflicts. In the second quarter covering December 2019 to February 2020, there were increased arrests of cattles by Livestock Guards, increasing the tension and affecting relationships between farmers and herders in the affected areas as the risk and fear of reprisal attacks from the Herders also increased. As a result of the incessant clashes between conflict prone communities comprising Yelewata, Mbabai, Uvir, Udaaya, Mbadwen, Nyiev, Kaambe in Guma LGA of Benue State and Keana, Kardako, Kuduka and Gidan Lalle in Keana LGA which are located at the borders of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively, the State Governors of Benue and Nasarawa held a meeting along the border communities where Benue State Governor identified the inability to conclude boundary demarcation between the two states as well as activities of criminal elements being responsible for the conflicts along the border communities3. Nasarawa State Government also accused Livestock Guards from Benue State of the incursion of Benue livestock Guards
3 ‘The Joint Peace and Security Meeting between Benue and Nasarawa States’, Official Website of Nasarawa State May 20, 2020 Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 13
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report into Nasarawa State to arrest Fulani Herdsmen. It was directed from the meeting that Security Agencies in Nasarawa should henceforth arrest and prosecute any Livestock Guard that crosses over into Nasarawa State to arrest Fulani Herdsmen. The Governors of Benue /Nasarawa have continued to hold peace and security meetings with key member organisations of the State Security Architecture Dialogue such as MACBAN, Security Agencies, Religious Leaders and Civil Society Organisations who have continued to advocate for an all-encompassing structure through the State Peace Commission to coordinate peacebuilding initiatives in the States.4
4. Attacks on farmers and herders: From December 2019 to February 2020, Benue State recorded over 20 incidents of armed attacks owing to the influx of cows and herdsmen into some parts of the state and at boundary communities between Nasarawa and Benue State. On 28th January 2020, the Governor of the State escaped herdsmen attack when he was shot at while on his farm located at Adeke along Makurdi-Naka Road. Also in January, Herdsmen abducted and killed a member of the State’s Livestock Guard in Ado LGA. Also Kwatas community located at Bokkos LGA of Plateau State was attacked by unknown gunmen on 27th of January, 2020.The killings were linked to the incident that occurred at Kulben community in Mangu Local Government area of the state on January 20, 2020 with a total of 10 persons killed. As a result of this, the Governor of Plateau State through the state Commissioner of Police ordered the arrest of key stakeholders (community leaders and Ardos) in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi and Riyom to identify the perpetrators. Also on 15th February at Barkin-Ladi LGA of Plateau State, a military hilux van was ambushed by alleged herdsmen killing two soldiers with one injured at Gindin -Akwati Community in Gashish district which led to reprisal attack by the Nigerian Army through the burning of over 100 houses largely belonging to the fulani’s in their settlement alongside arrests. Also in the early hours of 15th April, unidentified gunmen alleged to be Fulani Herdsmen attacked Hurra Village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State with reports that the attack lasted several hours killing at least nine people and burned over twenty (20) houses. 5. Disruption of Physical Activities due to the Covid-19 Pandemic: As a result of restriction of movements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, not all planned project activities at the beginning of the quarter were implemented due to restrictions in movement and gatherings across the Country. In line with recommendations drawn from the assessment for the best platform to continue implementation of activities in project states despite the covid-19 pandemic, it was impossible to implement activities such as the Community Security Architecture Dialogue Meetings (CSADs) and also the Transformative Dialogue Processes To Prevent and Mitigate Violence which requires physical convening due to technical issues in the Communities. However, State level activities with stakeholders were held virtually following its suitability as documented in the covid-19 activity implementation assessment report on Annex E. In such cases, Search continued to give support to members of the CSADs virtually which led to peaceful transformation of conflicts and coexistence
6. Transition in LGA and MACBAN Leadership: In the first quarter, the Governor of Plateau State, sworn-in a new Local Government Management Committee Chairmen for four LGAs including elected Chairman of Langtang North local government of the People Democratic Party. This change in transition affected the progress of the project in continuing the CSAD Monthly Meeting as pledges and
4 ‘Security: Benue, Nasarawa Agree to Speed up Boundary Demarcation – The Sun Nigeria’ May 20, 2020 Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 14
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report commitments already made by the out-going Chairman to sponsor the CSAD platforms towards sustainability in Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Jos South and Jos North. On 15th February 2020, In Nasarawa State, there was an election of the Chairman of MACBAN which led to the re-election of the incumbent Chairman. The Chairman, during the PAD meeting in Nasarawa State shared, some of his plans to mitigate the reoccurring farmer and herder conflicts in the state by registering all immigrant herders for easy identification, ban the use of underage children to graze and attach an adult and experienced herder with the underage and also to set up mechanisms to abolish night grazing.
7. Encroachment on farmland and destruction of crops: From September to November 2019, incidents of frequent encroachment on farm lands by cattle was reported during the CSAD and PAD monthly meetings across Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States as a result of the movement of herders southward due to the dry season that makes it difficult for them to have water and vegetation to feed their cattle in the northern part of the country. These incidences of encroachment has created tensions between farmers and herders in those areas. From December 2019 to February 2020, incidents of encroachment of cattle into farm lands were recorded across Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States as a result of the movement of herder’s southward due to the dry season that makes it difficult for them to have water and vegetation to feed their cattle in the northern part of the country.
8. Kidnapping and Cultism: As reported in both CSAD and PAD meetings this quarter, the three states of implementation of the Project have not been spared from kidnapping and cultism which is of huge concern to all as the Christmas period is around the corner. The increasing kidnapping and cultism activities across the three states was a major highlight during the state PAD as well as the CSAD meetings. Stakeholders reported that the increasing rate of these two major issues if not addressed might hinder some communities from enjoying the Christmas and New Year festivities. Hence, they called on the government (security agencies) and the traditional leaders to be proactive in mitigating the issues in the states.
9. Interventions by CSOs and Community Leaders: Civil Society Organisations and the respective State Security Architecture Dialogue platform have continued to intensify calls on relevant stakeholders for improved response to emerging conflicts and threats to lives and properties in the project states. On Wednesday March, 4th, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations in the State addressed a press conference where they expressed worry over renewed attacks and also called for strengthening of the security operations of the Police and military in the state5. The Benue State Government also temporarily suspended the return of IDPs currently numbered at 483,692 due to renewed attacks by suspects. Traditional and Community Leaders in the various conflict prone communities have continued to initiate dialogue engagements towards proffering lasting solutions to the incessant crisis. Dialogue meetings between farmers and herders were reported at Idadu, Alagye and Amaku Communities in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State, Ogobia and Igede communities in Otukpo LGA and Gbajimba in Guma LGA of Benue State with the respective Community Security Architecture Dialogue, LGA Security Adviser and
5 ‘Herders/Farmers Crisis: Benue IDPs Peaks 483,692, as Govt Suspends Return – Daily Trust’ Abbas Jimoh, Mar 6, 2020 Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 15
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Security Agencies at the Community level taking the lead in facilitating the dialogues towards promoting lasting peace in the conflict prone areas.
3. Activities Contributing to Objective 1
Activity 1.1 Conflict Transformations, Human Rights, and Dialogue Trainings
During the period under review, Search implemented six Conflict Transformation, Human Rights, and Dialogue Trainings, reaching all of the target LGAs in the three states (see Table 1 on Annex D for details). A total number of 264 participants (188 male, 76 females) were reached. Participants included representatives from All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Department of State Services (DSS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Program (NAYES), Jamatu Nasir Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), traditional and community leaders, People with Disability (PWD), and women and youth groups from each of the LGAs.
The training was facilitated by Search’s Senior Training Coordinator and sought to build the capacities of stakeholders to identify early warning signs of violence and take proactive measures to mitigate violent conflicts as well as protecting and promoting human rights and dignity of all persons. The trainer used practical approaches to promoting positive attitude changes between herders and farmers in favor of intergroup communication, tolerance and collaborative problem-solving, providing practical skills and techniques for pinpointing potential flashpoints, defusing tensions, mediation and transforming herder- farmer conflict situations away from adversarial confrontations. Real life conflict scenarios were used for each of the topics and exercises covered by the trainer to increase understanding of the participants. The training was facilitated in both English and Hausa, making it easier for participants to understand the concepts. Some of the participants also volunteered to help others understand better by interpreting in other local languages, such as Tiv, Idoma, and Fulfulde.
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Many of the participants improved their understanding of the influence of identity, effective communication, human rights abuses and violations, and means of handling these and other conflicts without violence. The participants’ recap and reflection sessions throughout the course of each training demonstrated their understanding and knowledge of these concepts and the change in their perception and behavior towards other groups, ethnic and religion. Overall pre-and post-tests showed an average increase of 23 percent in knowledge of participants on
Figure 5: A Tiv Woman and Female Herder the sub themes covered in the training. One participant from the during the Conflict transformation, dialogue training in Guma LGA emphasized the importance of the and human rights training held in Benue State dialogue component of the training and shared that, “This training is so important and useful. Now I can talk better to my family, community members and build stronger relationships and strengthen unity in the community going forward.”
The human rights component of the training was facilitated by personnel from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and was found to be useful and resonated with participants in all the target LGAs. As one participant in Otukpo LGA shared, “This workshop enabled me to understand that human rights are important to be considered and learned that all human beings have rights.” During the training in Keana LGA, it was revealed that prior to the training most of the participants were not aware that the NHRC can intervene on matters relating to violations of rights involving government and individuals. This component helped participants understand modalities for reporting incidences of human rights abuse and violations through the NHRC's office in Lafia. The facilitator also highlighted other offices and organizations within the state that also respond to human rights issues and provide pro-bono legal services for those who cannot afford to hire for such services.
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Most of the members’ capacities were built to resolve conflicts through mediation and networking to alert for early response in these communities. Search’s target communities have exhibited improved capacities to promote peace in their communities by using knowledge and skills gained from the training. For example, in Keana LGA a female herder after the training stepped down lessons learnt to other women in her community. She organized a dialogue meeting with more than 13 married herders and female youths. During the meeting, she said, “We women and mothers are more important in strengthening our youths to peace efforts in the Figure 6: Participants during the Conflict community because they always adhere to our words. So we Transformation and Human Rights training held should use our voices to propagate the gospel of peace within at Keana LGA of Nasarawa State our families and the community at large." She added that other components of the training such as honoring dignity, group identity, and perspective and perception were also shared with the women. At the end of the dialogue meeting she said that after some weeks the women were also stepping down the process with other women in their community.
In Benue state, some of the stakeholders who attended the training were CSAD members who organized an awareness campaign in some communities in Guma LGA. In Mbawa community they met with the village head and over 30 people, in Akor community the Fulani and Tiv leaders met with over 50 stakeholders, and the Jukun youth leaders organized a meeting with seven key youth leaders. These initiatives were aimed at stepping down the lessons learnt from the training. Hence, community members now have confidence in the ability of the trained stakeholders who are also part of the CSAD members in the LGAs on mediating over conflict issues in their communities.
In the second year of the Project, Although the target number of conflict transformation, human rights and dialogue trainings was met in May 2019, Community Stakeholders comprising of CSAD Executives, Local Security Agencies, Religious and Traditional Rulers have taken the lead in organizing dialogues and sensitization engagements between farmers and herders and other conflicting parties within their respective LGAs, so as to promote peaceful coexistence and resolution of emerging conflicts. Some of the dialogues and sensitization engagements supported include the following:
On 27th April , the CSAD at Otukpo LGA in Benue State led by the LGA Security Adviser, who is a member of the CSAD in the LGA, convened a dialogue meeting with Security Agencies and Traditional Rulers in communities within the LGA towards addressing recent incidents of cult activities which led to 2 persons losing their lives in Ogobia town on 19th April. Key outcome of the meeting is the resolution and establishment Figure 7: Otukpo LGA Security Adviser of Police Security Out-Posts at Ogobia, Ugboju and Ojeoma- during the dialogue meeting held in April 2020 Akpa Communities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State.
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Similarly, on May 8th, a meeting was convened at Idaudu Community in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State by the Traditional Ruler and CSAD in Doma LGA, on the issue of destruction of crops by cattle and the designation of migratory routes were extensively deliberated upon. Resolutions from the meeting include commitment by Herders to stop their cattle from grazing on farmlands as farm crops have started germinating, while farmers also agreed to create grazing routes for cattle.
Activity 1.2 Transformative Dialogue Processes to Prevent and Mitigate Violence Search organized 18 intra-dialogues and 9 inter-dialogues engaging 1202 participants (855 male, 347 female) in target LGAs of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states (see Table 2 on Annex D for details). The transformative dialogue processes consisted of advocacy and community entry visits, separate intra dialogues with the farmer and herder groups and inter dialogues with the farmer and herder groups. The community entry, advocacy and advance visits introduced Search and the proposed dialogues to the Community Leaders and LGA Stakeholders hence leading to their acceptance and willingness to participate in the dialogue processes. The Intra dialogues which were held separately with the farmers and herders groups featured identification of conflict issues affecting the farmers and herders groups which was done in separate group discussions with the community leaders/elders, women and youths. The inter dialogues on the other hand brought together stakeholders who were at the farmers and herders intra dialogues and supported to identify the cross cutting issues affecting the farmers and herders groups, prioritize and rank the issues identified, identify stakeholders required to resolve the conflicts and Figure 8: Representative of the Elder Group discussion presenting identified issues from the thereafter agree on strategies for resolving the prioritized farmers intra dialogue held at Okpatta issues. Community Search used this unique method for engaging communities in conflict to bring both parties together. These dialogues were facilitated by Search staff, following non-adversarial participatory approaches that emphasizes collaboration. As a result of these dialogues, participants were able to identify common conflict issues, develop joint action plans, and change their perceptions of the other group. The dialogues were usually between the farmer-herder communities in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa while some of the dialogues in Plateau Figure 9: Cross section of participants during the exercise on perception and perspectives especially at Jos North and South of Plateau state were during the farmer’s intra dialogue at Menkat between Christian and Muslims because of the nature of Community in August 2020 conflict.6
6From June to September 2018, violent conflict erupted in Rikkos, Rukuba road, Gada-biu, Kabong, Duste-Uku, Tina, Angwan Rukuba, and Gangare communities of Jos North LGA in Plateau state as described in the context update above. Search decided to proactively address these incidents in an attempt to mitigate the potential escalation of violence between these groups by organizing dialogues in these communities.
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In Nasarawa state, the program team observed that during focus group discussions on topics affecting women, the female participants spoke freely and shared their unique perspective on conflict issues and how they are affected by them. Applying this learning to the dialogues, Search organized ‘women-only focus group discussions’ during both the intra- and inter-dialogues in each LGA. This resulted in more issues relating to women being raised and discussed. For example, in Keana LGA women reported that the recruitment for the federal government’s school feeding program in the LGA was biased. Women mostly from herder communities said they were screened and selected as cooks but were later replaced by women that are natives of Alago after fully participating in the documentation. Search raised the issue in the inter- dialogue meeting where both parties were brought together, and it was resolved that women from both communities should start meeting regularly to create synergy that would help them support each other’s interest.
Figure 10: Cross section of Herders during the Herders Intra dialogue held at Doma LGA Nasarawa The dialogues provided a unique space for farmers and State herders to come together and discuss issues driving the conflicts between their communities. Both groups expressed their support for this initiative and Search’s approach. During the Guma LGA inter-dialogue, the MACBAN Secretary for Benue State said, “This is the first time I am seeing this group coming together as a result of Search’s initiative. We are sure that with this, the issues are coming to an end in the state especially in Guma LGA. The law in the state is not the issue but lack of sensitization and awareness is the major problem. We will continue to advocate for peaceful coexistence in the state between the farmers and herders.” The AFAN Chairman from the LGA also shared, "I wish the program had been in place for a longtime before now. These issues would not have become worse like they did, but I am optimistic that with Search efforts already in the LGA these issues have come to an end.”
Story of Impact: Search has been able to break the silence and agitations between both groups who over the years have had no opportunity to sit in one room discussing their issues. In Benue state, in the two years since 2017 no one in the state has dared to bring these two groups together and without resulting into violence. Search’s dialogues were able to overcome these barriers. Similarly, the inter-dialogue in Riyom LGA was the first time the two communities of Mahanga, a majority herder settlement, and Jol, a majority farmer settlement, met together to discuss peace after 18 years of hostilities.7 The meeting ended with a joint resolution for continuous engagements with security and government stakeholders to encourage and provide safe spaces for every citizen. The Peace Committees formed in the communities to lead the process have continued to convene
7 Articles highlighting the activity: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/insecurity-we-must-stop-killings-18-years-after-say-berom- fulani-women/ ; http://skynewsafrica.net/index.php/2019/04/28/farmers-herders-in-nigerias-plateau-move-to-end-hostilities-after- 18-years-of-conflict/ ; http://skynewsafrica.net/index.php/2019/04/28/farmers-herders-in-nigerias-plateau-move-to-end- hostilities-after-18-years-of-conflict/ ; https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/plateau-berom-fulani-in-riyom-resolve-to-end- hostilities.html Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 20
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report monthly meetings which have resolved emerging issues and contributed to the reduction of conflicts between farmers and herders across the communities. These resolutions included: - Herders who go to the field to graze should be enlightened and educated to avoid grazing close to homes; - Signs to be indicated on burial grounds to enable herders identify sacred areas and avoid grazing on them; - Community members should desist from spreading rumors and hate speech to avoid steering conflict; and - Traditional leaders should have periodic joint meetings to help resolve and deliberate on emerging issues in the community.
Action plans and Resolutions developed during the dialogues included joint effort at creating cattle routes away from residential areas, water areas for drinking and joint-task security group that secured their communities. Others include formation of peace committees to resolve emerging farmer and herders conflicts including monitoring of blocked cattle routes, resolution of land disputes and sensitization of herders against grazing on Figure 11: Community Leader of Menkat Community leading the farm lands and crop meeting for implementation of action destruction. The Stakeholders plan from the inter dialogue held in August 2020 also agreed to convene regular peace and security meetings, sensitization of herders on the importance of education, involvement of women leaders in dialogue and decision making processes. Implementation reports from communities that benefited from the dialogues showed that all the stakeholders from the farmers Figure 12: Community Members of Menkat and herders groups in the months of September and October Community during the meeting for implementation of action plan from the inter 2020 had carried out step down meetings where they debriefed dialogue held in August 2020 other members of their communities on deliberations and resolutions from the dialogues. The Community Leaders of Menkat, Tsokluut and Mambial at Shendam LGA of Plateau State and Doka, Gborigo, Tunga Manja, Ajimanka, Oluwa, Idadu and Okpatta at Doma LGA of Plateau State has strengthened the existing peace committees with members comprising of representatives of farmers and herders groups who have identified all blocked cattles routes for reopening during the dry season specifically in January 2021.
Can Contact Reduce Conflict between farmers and herders: Evidence from Nigeria Project: Following the report on the interest of a group of researchers from the University of Chicago in the United State of America. Search has been working with the researchers, who are affiliated with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) in Search’s transformative dialogue
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report processes in the report of the first year of the project, Search has signed up a 24 months grant to facilitate 96 dialogues across selected hotspot communities in Nasarawa and Plateau States towards assessing the impact of the dialogues in preventing and mitigating farmer and herder conflicts.
Activity 1.3 LGA-level Community Security Architecture Dialogues (CSAD)
Search held 75 CSAD meetings across 8 target LGAs of Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau engaging 3117 participants (2247 male, 870 female) (see Table 3 on Annex D for details). Search’s CSADs are multi- stakeholder LGA-level dialogue platforms that hold monthly discussions on peace and security issues in the communities and develop local action plans to address them. The members of the CSAD platforms represent a diverse set of stakeholders in the LGAs, including government, security, and community actors, especially leaders of herders and farmers. Stakeholders always in attendance at the monthly meetings are LGA Desk Officers, Local Council Chairpersons, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth, women, National Orientation Agency (NOA), civil society organizations (CSOs), media, Nigerian Police Force, NSCDC, Joint Task Force, voluntary informal security groups, Nigeria Customs Services, Nigeria Immigrations Services (NIS), MACBAN and AFAN, and NHRC.
At the start of the Project, Search absorbed the similar “community-civil society-government platforms” established under a previous Search project in the target LGAs in Plateau and Nasarawa states into the newly formed CSAD platforms. Although originally the project only aimed to cover two CSAD in each of the three states, the events in Jos North and Jos South at the start of the project outlined earlier in the report, demonstrated a need for the intervention to expand to these additional two LGAs.
Therefore, Search decided to support bi-monthly meetings Figure 13: Community Leader during CSAD meeting for the four LGAs targeted in Plateau state, while at Jos South encouraging the platforms to continue to meet monthly on their own. At the end of the Project, the CSAD and working in implementing action plans agreed during each meeting on their own as well.
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All LGA officials and community members engaged through the CSAD platform had reiterated that while there have been many interventions at the national and state level concerning the farmer-herder issues, there has not been any follow through to the local level to see what they have to say on these issues. The participants commended the uniqueness of Search’s approach to peacebuilding. They said Search is the
Figure 24: Women-only discussion during CSAD only organization meeting in Guma LGA, July 2019. implementing directly in the communities with the main residents of the flashpoint communities participating. This approach has resonated with participants and they have taken up the dialogue model and have applied it in their own area of work. In Doma LGA of Nasarawa state, a peace committee was set up by the traditional ruler comprising both farmers and herders with the aim of resolving issues arising from the Figure 15: Guma LGA CSAD Desk Officer farmer-herder conflicts. presenting the incidents of farmers and herders conflicts received in the month of The meetings have also built synergy between community June 2020 during the 12th CSAD meeting members, security agencies, and various government actors as decisions made during activities are taken further by government actors and security agencies to ensure that solutions are found and action taken. The phone numbers of the different security personnel were shared with participants to facilitate incident and early warning reporting.
Story of Impact: In Jos North LGA, the CSAD and Jos Peace Vanguard successfully intervened in curbing a security threat. On March 30, 2019 there was a fight between gang members over money given to them by politicians for electioneering campaigns. Several communities were affected by this fighting and the CSAD members identified the need to respond before the situation escalated further. The CSAD members worked with the Jos Peace Vanguard to bring the different gangs together for a peaceful dialogue session. The dialogue was successful and led to reconciliation between the gangs. This not only demonstrated the CSAD’s capacity to respond to local peace and security issues, but also their increased capacity to facilitate effective transformative dialogue sessions and use dialogue as a means of conflict resolution in their communities. Security agencies and LGA officials were present at the dialogue, and recognized the efforts of the CSAD members.
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Figure 16: Gang members participating (left) and Secretary of Jos North LGA addressing group (right) during a dialogue session facilitated by the CSAD, March 2019.
The DMEL team’s monitoring visits implemented on the project found that the CSAD’s were contributing to changes in the perception of participants concerning farmer-herder conflicts. By discussing the underlying issues and hearing from both sides of the conflict in this platform, other authorities and stakeholders were able to gain a more nuanced understanding of the conflict and change their approach to intervention accordingly. As one security personnel from NSCDC in Guma LGA shared, “As security personnel, we are trained to be violent but being a member of the CSAD has seriously changed my views about the farmer herder issues, which has also impacted positively on my teams operation as we are more objective than before.” This change in perception of the conflict has therefore also improved local response mechanisms as security personnel are able to act with less bias and less violence due to their increased understanding of the underlying issues. Furthermore, at the community level, Figure 17: Participants during CSAD meeting community members, after being engaged by CSAD members in Doma LGA, June 2019. on the dangers of hate speeches, reported a decrease in the use of derogatory statements against each other and discrimination of one another. They now enjoy more acceptance of members of other communities, and have expressed more willingness to work with each other.
The participants were reported to have been recognized in their various communities as peace ambassadors and mediators that community members and traditional leaders sometimes call upon them to mediate in conflict issues. The platforms’ work have been so impactful that other agencies have taken it up as part of their work. For example, in Benue state, NSCDC has profiled Search as one of its strategic partners in the state and a desk officer reports all action plans items that the agency needs to carry out as part of their participation in the project platforms. In Barkin Ladi LGA, it was reported that the LGA Chairperson always reads the report of the monthly CSAD meetings to ensure that actions are taken on issues raised. The Transition Chairman of Jos North, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi LGAs have made commitments to provide identification cards and customized shirts for CSAD members. Also, the Chairman of Jos South LGA instructed that some of the CSAD members be included in the monthly joint
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report security meetings due to the CSAD’s high engagement and synergy with the security to reduce crime in the LGA.
Story of Impact: During the July 2019 CSAD meeting in Otukpo LGA, the Fulani Ardo (traditional leader) reported an issue of extortion by livestock guards in the LGA. He reported that any herder who gives the guards money will be allowed to graze in the field. The CSAD members took it upon themselves and engaged with the Livestock Guard Commander of Otukpo LGA, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and Local Government staff to investigate the issue. During their next meeting in August 2019, it was reported to the CSAD that they discovered that one of the identified guards was guilty and he was suspended as a result. Further investigation is ongoing for continued oversight of the activities of the livestock guards by the CSAD members and the investigation committee they established.
It was also reported that key stakeholders in the communities are beginning to collaborate amongst themselves to resolve issues at the community level instead of escalating cases to the police or government. According to Security Agencies across the Project States, the number of cases on their desk relating to the farmers and herders have seriously reduced as whenever a case is reported the parties involved usually decided to withdraw and resolve the case at the community level using dialogue and mediation with the help of traditional rulers. In cases where cattle are rustled, the network of CSAD members involving the police, DSS, VGN, and NAYES collaborate to track the
Figure 18: The Representative of the criminals and several arrests have been made in this regard. There Nigerian Police Force at Otukpo LGA are cases of CSAD members sharing knowledge of how to detect Benue State giving updates on response to incidents after the 11th CSAD meeting cattle-rustling across different communities and successfully collaborating to stop such incidents from occurring. Also of note is the NHRC’s report that there is an increase in the number of human rights issues reported to them in the three states, with community members referencing their knowledge of this information channel due to Search’s activities when making their reports.
Story of Impact: FROM THE USE OF FORCE TO THE USE OF COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
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Mr Dandaura Dansidi Kpukple is an officer of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC). He Initially served in Keana LGA as Desk Officer and currently working in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. He is a member of the Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD) and represented his agency in Keana LGA and currently in Doma LGA. He was trained by Search on conflict transformation, Human Rights and Dialogue, which has transformed his professional and personal life. Dandaura is a dedicated and active member of the CSAD platform; he occasionally cancels other
Figure 19: Mr Dandaura engagements to ensure he is able to attend the CSAD meeting. Kpukple He has this to say; “The CSAD platform is the best thing that has happened to Keana and Doma LGAs. I usually get more feedback and security reports on emerging conflict issues in the LGA from the context update given at the CSAD meetings. I rely on this information for necessary security action, as all communities within the LGA have representatives in each meeting that further improves the quality of information I get”. Mr Dandaura has resolved several conflict issues within the LGA using the skills he acquired from Search’s activities, especially the collaborative approach. He also capitalises on the synergy built with other security agencies such as the Police, Army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and State Security Services (SSS) to track and arrest culprits within the various communities of the LGA. “Search has made our work easier”
STORY OF IMPACT: FROM A LOCAL PEACEBUILDER TO AN INTERNATIONAL PEACEBUILDER Mr. Yakubu C. Gam is a member of the Jos South Local Government Authority (LGA) Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD) and has been an integral part of the peace process in Plateau state, particularly in the Jos South Local Government Area where he initiated and implemented activities within his community using the skills and knowledge acquired from a series of trainings he attended sponsored by Search for Common Ground. Mr Gam received recognition from the United Nations as an “Ambassador of World Peace”, and carried out the following activities in his community: ● Step down training within Gyel and Bukuru communities in which over 500 youths were reached ● Resolved conflict between farmers and herders within the Bukuru community that would have led to violence.
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Figure 20: A CSAD member from Jos South (Yakubu C Gam) during his award recognition by the United Nations in Anambra State on 20th September 2019.
As a result of activities conducted by Search, one Mrs. Patience Adjei, the Secretary of the Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD) in Otukpo LGA of Benue State was able to support the Chairman and other Executives to mobilize members especially women leader from communities across Otukpo LGA to participate in a self-sponsored CSAD meeting held in the community on the 29th of September 2019. At the self-sponsored meeting, she also participated in developing an action plan targeted at bringing communities within the LGA who were not part of the CSAD platform. The Action plan involved carrying out advocacy visits to the community leaders of Otobi-Akpa and Adoka communities in the LGA on the existence and need for those communities to be part of the CSAD in the LGA. The advocacy visit to Otobi-Akpa LGA was carried out on 29th November 2019 and Patience was part of this visit. This move by Patience and other members of the CSAD has encouraged more women participation from Otobi-Akpa Community in subsequent CSAD meetings in the LGA as evidenced in the 10% increase in women participation in the subsequent CSAD meetings.
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STORY OF IMPACT: AN ADVOCATE OF PEACE Hajiya Balaraba is a Fulani Woman leader in Keana LGA of Nasarawa state who is recognized and respected within her community. She is a member of the Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD) and was trained by Search. She took the initiative to step-down the knowledge and skills she had acquired from the Conflict Transformation, Human Rights and Dialogue training she attended to other women within her locality who did not participate in the training. She was able to reach a total of 210 Fulani women and enlighten them on the need to monitor their children and also to sensitize them on various drugs the youths might be using so that they can identify early warning signs. Mrs. Balaraba also charged women to speak to their husbands to avoid sending little children for grazing alone as they are too small to be left alone with fifty to hundred Figure 21: Hajiya Balaraba Cows. She moved from community to community sensitizing different women with her own funds. At the end, she sensitized 4 communities in Keana LGA.
From March to May 2020, Search could not convene the CSAD meetings due to restriction of movements, physical gatherings and lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With relaxation of the lockdown in June, Search continued implementation of the CSADs across the Project States. Hence in compliance with Government’s restrictions on physical gatherings, the number of stakeholders at the CSAD meetings was reduced to a maximum of 30 stakeholders per meeting with provision of face masks, hand wash and use of alcohol based hand sanitizers. Also, ahead of the LGA elections which were held in Benue State on 30th May, CSAD members carried out door to door sensitization campaigns on the need for peaceful elections in their respective communities and LGAs. The sensitization activity carried out by CSAD members contributed to the generally adjudged peaceful Benue state LGA election held on May 30th 2020. According to Adole Ejah, a Member of the CSAD in Otukpo LGA, “We recorded a peaceful local Government election in our local Government Area as a result of the continuous sensitization of the CSAD to the various categories of persons through our Youth, Women, Farmers and Herder mobilisers. They have consistently appealed to all persons to shun all acts that can result in electoral violence and this has greatly contributed to the Peaceful LGA election at Otukpo LGA”. No incidents of violence and conflict were recorded during the election.8 Other outcomes of the CSAD engagements include: the creation Figure 22: The CSAD self-sponsored of WhatsApp groups for the CSAD in Guma and Otukpo LGAs of meeting at Keana LGA of Nasarawa State
8 ‘Voters Turnout Fairly in Benue LG Election – Daily Trust’ Hope Abah Emmanuel, Makurdi | May 30, 2020 Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 28
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Benue State for improved communication and collaboration, reports from communities on incidents, mapping of conflict prone communities for engagements during the Benue State PAD follow up dialogue meetings and development of strategies for addressing emerging incidents of farmer and herder conflicts. CSADs in Plateau State on the other hand set up committees to lead the process of producing identity cards for members and lead the process of registering the CSADs with the Corporate Affairs Commission as Community Based Organisations. Others are testimonials about contribution of the PAD follow up dialogue meetings with farmers and herders, which has led to the drastic reduction of incidents of farmer and herder conflicts in communities in Benue state. There was also the development of advocacy plans for engagement of the LGA Chairmen to follow up on the sustainability of the PAD and resolution of the CSADs to continue to engage even after the end of Search’s support to the CSADs. Since the end of the project in August 2020, a total of 10 CSAD meetings has been held in the project States comprising 6 CSAD meetings in Plateau (Barkin Ladi: 2, Riyom : 1, Jos South :1 and Jos North : 2), 3 CSAD meetings in Benue State (Otukpo :2, Guma : 1) and 1 CSAD meeting in Nasarawa State (Keana: 1).
4. Activities Contributing to Objective 2
Activity 2.1 Middle Belt State Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) Forum on Farmer-Herder Issues
In the second year of the project, Search convened 3 Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue (RPAD) meetings (2 physical and 1 virtual) with a total of 173 participants comprising of 127 Males and 46 Females from Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States with Plateau State hosting the 1st RPAD in December 2019, the second virtual RPAD in June 2020 while Nasarawa State hosted the 3rd RPAD in August 2020 (See breakdown on Table 4 of Annex D). Participants included; key stakeholders across the Middle Belt region, they comprise of the following: Office of the Secretary to Plateau State Government, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Special Advisers to Nasarawa State Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Special Adviser to Nasarawa State Governor on SDGs, Benue State Planning Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, Traditional Ruler from Benue and Nasarawa State, Religious Leaders, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Figure 23: A Stakeholder from Plateau State PAD, Security Service, Forum for Farmer and herder Relation contributing on best practices for sustaining the State in Nigeria, representatives of steering committee of PAD by the State Government Peace Architecture Dialogue and Media Fellows in Project States. Participants during the RPAD discussed and brainstormed extensively on causes, drivers and consequences of farmer-herder conflict across the three states and the region more broadly. The discussions during the RPAD focused on identification of issues of conflict across the region, interventions, strategies for addressing the conflicts, avoiding spillover of violence while streamlining actions taken by each state.
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A 5 Member Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue Executive comprising 4 Males and 1 female (The Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency and Benue State PeaceBuilding Commission, Tier of Makurdi (Traditional Ruler) and Civil Society Organisations) were elected to serve the RPAD platform. Key issues identified from the RPAD that has triggered farmer and herder conflicts across the three states include: Kidnapping, cultism/gangstisism, proliferation of small and light weapons/Arms, drug/substance abuse, gender based violence/rape, land dispute, human right abuses and violations, boundary dispute, trespass and destruction of farm produce. Other key issues across the 3 project states identified include absence of law prohibiting open grazing and establishment of ranches in Nasarawa and Plateau, inadequate security presence in rural communities, fake news and inadequate media collaboration with key actors, absence of institutional structures for implementing peace architecture policies and blockage of cattle routes in Plateau and Nasarawa States, inadequate feed for livestock which has contributed to the incidents of farmers and herders conflicts, inadequate education on human rights for citizens at all levels leading to infringement on the rights of farmers and herders, inadequate sensitization on the impact of drug abuse and inadequate trauma centers for rehabilitation of victims of farmers and herder conflicts. Other issues identified include the new dimension of ethnicity and religion hence the recurring incidents of reprisal attacks between the various groups, influx of Herders from neighboring states which has contributed to incessant incidents of farmers and herders attacks.
The second and third Regional PAD featured session on emerging trends of the farmers and herders conflicts in the Middle Belt. Factors driving the conflicts in the region were also identified, which include: increased competition over land and water resources, inter-connectivity of sedentary farming and pastoralists, prevalence possession and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, demographic and climate pressures, population growth and reproduction amongst others. The Stakeholders also reached a consensus on the need for improved collaboration amongst stakeholders and Government, role of organized criminals in fueling the conflicts and inadequate implementation of existing laws for managing farmer and herder conflicts. Stakeholders from the various States also featured in panel discussions on the state level PAD updates and conflict dynamics. Contributions from the panel discussion include the impact of the PAD from the Civil Society angle as a result of the various dialogues with stakeholders, Farmers and Herders groups which has supported the groups to engage collaboratively towards resolving emerging conflicts amicably from Community to the State levels. The PADs also reported improved inclusion of women through advocacies to relevant stakeholders on gender based violence and inclusion of women in decision making and community based dialogues. Member organisations of the PAD from the States also reported improved inter agency collaboration on handling issues such as rape, drug abuse and other emerging issues from the PADs. The discussion on the interventions of the CSADs in managing farmer and herder conflicts at Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue States highlighted enhanced relationships between farmers. Stakeholders also noted the contribution of the CSADs to the relative peace and improved security across communities and LGAs of intervention hence some LGAs of intervention witnessed a bumper harvest which was first of its kind due to renewed relationships and understanding between farmers and herders and reduction in crops destruction and encroachment on farmlands by animals. Hence, recommendations reached include: enactment of deliberate policy by
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Government which will establish a regional security network, set up of Peace Commission/Agency in Benue and Nasarawa to coordinate peace processes and reconciliation and deepening security presence in rural communities. Other action plans include providing feedback to state governments using the communique, advocacy visits on identified issues to raise awareness and secure commitments and carry out Figure 24: Representatives of Benue State PAD Steering Committee during the panel sensitization and discussion on state level updates, activities, consultative forums successes and challenges at the third RPAD in on key areas Nasarawa State highlighted. The Communique of the first, second and third Regional PAD is contained in Annex C of this report while breakdown of RPADs and persons reached is contained in Annex F of this report.
Figure 25: A Participant from Plateau State PAD contributing to the session on dealing with farmers and herders conflicts
Activity 2.2 State Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD) Follow-up Meetings
Similar to the CSAD (Activity 1.3), the state-level PAD are multi-stakeholder platforms that bring together community, security, and government actors for monthly meetings in each target state to discuss peace and security issues and develop action plans to address them. These platforms also include representative members from the CSAD in each state so that they are able to communicate issues raised at the CSAD which require state-level action to the PAD members. Due to the need for state-level government actors, the activity commenced after the 2019 general elections in Benue and Nasarawa states. Search conducted the necessary advocacy visits to secure the buy-in of state level actors prior to establishing the Figure 26: Screenshots from the virtual second Middle Belt platforms. 33 PAD were held in Benue and Regional PAD held in June 2020 Nasarawa engaging 1229 participants (811 male, 418 female). See Table 5 on Annex D for breakdown
Search originally established the Plateau state PAD under a previous project and it was handed over to the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in May 2017. Since then they have been leading the platform and the PPBA is currently being supported with funding from the United States Embassy to run the platform meetings. Search has continued to attend the PAD meetings and provide technical and mentorship support to PPBA. Search also ensured that the relevant members of the CSADs were
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report represented in the state’s PADs. Search’s Project team has continued to attend and provide technical support to the PAD in Plateau State. At the PAD meeting organized by PPBA, a committee was set up to proffer solutions to the increase of substance and drug abuse in the State. One of the recommendations of the Committee was that a Law should be put in place to deal with the offenders. The committee also drafted a blueprint that was submitted to the state government and other International organizations for funding of implementation. The PAD platform members Figure 26: Participants making contributions in Plateau also implemented advocacy visits to communities during PAD meeting in Nasarawa state, August 2019. and relevant stakeholders on community centric approaches to deal with the menace of drugs and substance abuse. On the issues of cultism, gangsters and criminality, the PAD platform collaborated with relevant agencies including; Special Task Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service , Vigilante Group of Nigeria and Neighborhood Watch which contributed to the reduction in incidents of arrests related to drug and substance abuse by security Agencies. Also in 2019 and 2020, Search joined the PPBA in the planning of International Peace Day and 16 Days of Activism and participated in some of activities lined up for these events.
Other Key conflict issues identified by the PAD platforms in Benue and Nasarawa State included criminality, kidnapping, cattle rustling, farm destruction, cultism, drug abuse, killings of human and animals, human trafficking, border insecurity/land dispute, proliferation of arms in Taraba, Benue, and Nasarawa states, and influx of migrating herders into other states from Benue. In the post-election period, the PAD in Benue state actively identified areas at risk of violence in Otukpo and Makurdi LGAs due to grievances related to the outcomes of the election. They monitored these areas and supported dialogue and community engagement to successfully prevent further escalation or outbreaks Figure 27: Group picture of Benue state PAD members, June of violence. The PAD have been at the forefront of 2019. advocacy efforts for legislative action to support peace and security in their states. In Benue state the PAD called for the establishment of a state peace agency or commission9 and Nasarawa state the PAD has recommended legislation to address the issue of kidnapping.10
9 Msughshima Andrew, “Conflicts: Stakeholders To Call For A Peace Commission In Benue,” The 247UReports, August 31, 2019. https://247ureports.com/2019/08/conflicts-stakeholders-to-call-for-a-peace-commission-in-benue/ 10 Peter Ahemba, “Kidnapping: PAD pushes for legislation to curtail menace,” Nigerian Pilot, August 22, 2019. http://nigerianpilot.com/kidnapping-pad-pushes-for-legislation-to-curtail-menace/ Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 32
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“When two people are fighting and they get tired and someone comes in to separate them, they will stop immediately because they are tired. I will give maximum support to strengthen peace architecture in Benue state. I wish Search started this intervention in Benue state long ago but we still appreciate their effort.” - Traditional Ruler, Guma LGA
As a result of the conflicts that arose from the enactment and implementation of the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Establishment of Ranches law in Benue State, the PAD in Benue was also focused on sensitizing stakeholders on the content of the Law and also discussed issues on the indiscriminate arrest of cattle and herders along boundary communities of Guma in Benue and Awe, Doma and Keana in Nasarawa. The Ter in Makurdi, HRH Chief Sule Abengaat the October 2019 PAD in Benue had this to say:, “When the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Establishment Law was passed, both farmers and herders did not know what the law entailed. But the sensitization carried out by Search through the PAD platform had made people understand the law in a better perspective and also embraced the law. This is the first time that a Traditional ruler sitting at this kind of sensitization meeting on the open grazing prohibition and ranching establishment law. This event has indeed changed the perception of people with Search for Common Ground as an organization operating in the state, not against the law but seeking ways to improve and enlighten the people. I am sure all the groups that came here have learnt greatly from this initiative.”
The PAD meetings at Benue State also led the resolution of the existing dispute between Vigilante Group of Nigeria and Benue State Vigilante Group of Nigeria leading to an agreement by the Leaders of both Security bodies that their roles were complimentary hence both organisations will work independently but towards supporting law and order in the State. The PAD also intervened to stop the unlawful activities of Livestock guards
Figure 28: Representative of the State towards citizens and Herders and collaborated with NDLEA in Director of NDLEA doing a presentation of Benue State to address the Menace of Drug Abuse and developing the menace of drug/substance abuse in Benue State. strategies by engaging key stakeholders towards influencing the passage of Benue State Peace Establishment. According to the participants, the presentation from the representative of the State’s Commandant of NDLEA revealed that drug abuse was one of the key drivers of the conflicts especially between farmers and Herders in Benue State. Also the sensitisation has shown that NDLEA currently is only able to cover 5 out of 23 LGAs in Benue State. Participants agreed that it was necessary to join hands with NDLEA to address the menace of drug abuse in the State.
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During the Period of the COVID-19 pandemic especially from May to June 2020, Search convened virtual PAD meetings which improved communication amongst the stakeholders despite the restriction of movement and gatherings. This also led to improved understanding of the emerging trends of farmer and herders conflicts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Figure 29: Screen Shots from the virtual 10th Nasarawa State PAD meeting held in June 2020 The interactive session at the virtual meetings were focused on opportunities of peacebuilding for the PAD amidst the pandemic. Members resolved to continue to advocate for improved response to farmer and herder conflicts just as the state is responding to the pandemic. Other resolutions and action plans from the meetings include: Plans to document the improved relationship that has been recorded between farmers and herders through the intervention of the PAD in the State and meetings with Traditional Rulers, Leaders of Herders and Farmers towards resolving root causes of conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in 15 conflict prone communities in Guma and Otukpo LGA. The Steering Committee also further resolved to work more closely with the Media Fellows and other Media Organisations in the state towards projecting issues and recommendations for sustaining peace in the state to the public.
Figure 30: Screen Shots from the virtual 10th Nasarawa State PAD meeting held in June 2020
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At the virtual PAD meetings held in Nasarawa State, stakeholders on the PAD presented updates on the engagements of their organisations during the Pandemic such as recent rescue of a Government Official who was kidnapped in his hometown on 4th March alongside the recovery of arms from suspected criminals by the Police, the role of the ... in enforcing the Federal and State Government’s lockdown directive aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which led to the arrest of 1400 violators of the lockdown directive. The PAD was informed that all 1400 violators that were arrested had been charged to mobile courts. The Nigerian Immigration Service reported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Organisation suspended the issuance of international passports and visas on arrival to
Figure 31: Mr. Nataniel Awuapila of Nasarawa immigrants. It was generally observed that conflicts State PAD facilitating the State PAD Dialogue between Farmers and Herders in Nasarawa State had meeting with Farmers and Herders from Guma LGA reduced while criminals were apprehended. During the interactive session on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Farmers and Herders in Nasarawa State, Farmers commended the State Government for excluding farmers from the lockdown directives particularly movement to and from their various farms in order to allow them plant their crops in the ongoing planting season. They however complained of the unavailability of farm inputs which are transported from other states due to restriction of movement hence the limited inputs available in the state were sold at exorbitant prices hence the PAD recommended that the Deputy Police Commissioner in attendance and the Ministry of Agriculture representative should convey the feedbacks of the Leaders of Farmers to the State Government.
In response to mitigating the conflicts between farmers and herders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Search also supported the PAD in Benue State to convene follow up dialogues with 16 conflict prone communities across 3 LGAs (Guma, Otukpo and Obi) in Benue state, through joint engagements with leaders of farmers and herders to identify the root causes of the conflicts and development of strategies for preventing and
Figure 32: Ibrahim Galma, MACBAN Benue mitigating future recurrence of the conflicts. This has State Secretary identifying the root causes of contributed to the drastic reduction in incidents of farmers the conflicts in Guma LGA of Benue State and herders conflicts. Search also convened 2 women focused PADs with stakeholders on the PAD in Nasarawa and Benue States which focused on the impact of farmers and herders conflicts on women, strategies for mitigating the conflicts and development of action plans for engagement in collaboration with the State PAD steering committees. Nasarawa State PAD also conducted an election of the steering committee in August 2020 with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor emerging as the new PAD Chairman alongside other Executives who were elected to serve for an interim period of 3 months covering August to October 2020. Breakdown of PAD meetings held in the reporting period can be found on Annex G (Table 4).
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Activity 2.3 Advocacy Visits and Bilateral Meetings
In order to increase collaboration between farmer and herder communities to develop joint, effective, sustainable local mechanisms for early warning response, dispute management, and violence prevention and mitigation at the community and state levels. Search conducted advocacy visits and bilateral meetings in the three states, reaching 513 actors (398 male, 115 female) from various government, security, civil society, religious, and traditional institutions and organizations. These advocacies yielded a lot of results as these actors supported the implementation of the Project through their participation in the various stakeholder engagements. Amongst Organisations that were engaged and supported the implementation of the Project National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which secured their participation in CSAD and PAD meetings, as well as partnering with the commission to jointly implement trainings, with them managing the sessions on human rights (Activity 1.1. and 2.4) as well as participating in the CSAD and PAD platforms. The NHRC appreciates the opportunity provided by Search to facilitate these sessions and it has provided them with establishment of new contacts through the CSAD platform so that rights issues can be reported to them directly. They also highlighted the challenges they face to carry out needed sensitization and awareness campaigns on rights issues in communities, particularly in rural areas. In March 2020, the Project team engaged the following offices in Nasarawa State on the sustainability of the project initiatives in Nasarawa State: Special Adviser
(SA) and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Peace Figure 33: Group Photograph of Benue State Peace Architecture Dialogue members with and Conflict Resolution, Permanent Secretary to the SSG, Search team during the advocacy visit to the Director/Desk officer on security matters in the Office of Majority Leader and Principal Members of Benue State House of Assembly the SSG, SA Special duties Government House and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on NGOs. All stakeholders engaged commended Search for its initiative in the State and promised to support the engagements and sustainability of initiatives on the project beyond the funding. Search Team and members of Benue State Peace Architecture Dialogue also paid a visit to the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly which led to commitment to support the sustainability of the State Peace Architecture Dialogue through the passage of the State Peace Commission Law.
“We have watched and seen how Search for Common Ground was able to change and transform our people where it has improved their way of living together between the farmers and herders. I am very sure that this phase of the project would further deepen their understanding and improve tolerance in respective of their differences. We are ready to give you any support that needs to improve the lives of our people, community and the nation.” - Osana of Keana, Paramount Ruler of Keana LGA.
Also in March 2020, members of Nasarawa State Peace Architecture Dialogue visited two paramount rulers of the project LGAs to seek for the commitment, support and blessings of the Paramount Rulers towards its peacebuilding engagements in the state. They also demanded for more collaboration of the Traditional Leaders with Security Agencies in the area as well as engage the Government to deploy more
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report security officers to conflict prone communities for sustained peace. They also requested for the Paramount Rulers attention towards resolving cattle rustling, Gender Based Violence/rape, land disputes, human rights abuse and violations, trespass and destruction of farm produce and boundary disputes which is often the common denominators of conflict amongst Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa State. The Paramount Traditional Rulers of Keana and Doma LGA pledged their commitment and support for the PAD in Nasarawa State and also on the demands presented. In the words of Andoma of Doma, “We have been reminded of our responsibilities today and what we have been doing to ensure peace is sustained in our domain”.
The Bilateral meetings held with stakeholders in Benue State had in attendance Participants including the State Secretary of MACBAN and AFAN, Leaders of Farmer and Herder Groups from the following communities: Yelewata, Mbabai, Yandev, Udaaya, Uvir, Nyiev, Mbawa and Kaambe Communities which are farming communities in Guma LGA. Discussions featured updates on the worrisome operations by the livestock Guards, whereby arrested cattle are not returned complete to the owners. They gave an instance where 100 cattle were arrested and at the time of Figure 35: A herder from Yelewata, a boundary community of Benue and release only 60 cows Nasarawa State highlighting issues were released and it affecting the herders
was discovered that it was usually the bigger cows that got missing. Herders also complained that they are usually battered by livestock guards even when they are not grazing cows. There were also complaints of high taxes charged on Herders at the point of releasing arrested cattle above the Figure 36: Cross section of participants during amount specified in the law. It was also agreed from the the bilateral meeting held in January 2020 meetings that in sustaining the already existing peace in the LGA, there is the need for a more enlightenment campaign on the open grazing prohibition and ranching law through the CSAD Platform. Stakeholders in Guma LGA also agreed to organize regular dialogues with farmers and Herders to resolve any lingering issues for peaceful coexistence as well as put in place modalities for displaced farmers and Herders to return back to their ancestral homes by engaging the LGA Chairmen to lead the process. Farmers and Herders also agreed to continue to carry out advocacies to key opinion leaders on a review of the open grazing prohibition and ranching establishment law in order to make it suitable for all interested persons in the state. The meeting enhanced collaboration and communication between stakeholders through the compilation of emergency phone numbers of stakeholders and security agencies for communication of early warning signs and reporting of incidents for response of appropriate stakeholders and security agencies. Participants also pledged to abide by the Laws of the State and avoid reprisal attacks which usually escalate the emerging conflicts.
Search also implemented bilateral meetings with heads of media houses in each state to foster relationships with them and emphasize the importance of supporting conflict sensitivity reporting by the journalists in their media houses, many of whom were trained in the project activities. These meetings
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report were also used to collect learning on how to improve Search’s engagement of media in programming. During this visit in Nasarawa state a media house called MBS shared that Search’s former radio program, “Voices of Peace,” was rated the best in a survey conducted by the radio station. The team also visited Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency where the Director General expressed willingness to partner with Search and they agreed that Search can generate peace messages and the agency will disseminate it to a wider coverage using social media and radio on a weekly basis.
“If there is anything for us to do that would bring peace and to create understanding among the farmers and herders we are 100 percent in support of that. As Search for Common Ground has worked in this LGA and with us in the past closely, we understand the aims and objectives of the organization, hence will give our support in full. This project is a welcome development and we hope it will expand its scope to involve more communities.” - Andoma of Doma, Paramount Ruler of Doma LGA
Also in March 2020, members of Nasarawa State Peace Architecture Dialogue visited two paramount rulers of the project LGAs to seek for the commitment, support and blessings of the Paramount Rulers towards its peacebuilding engagements in the state. They also demanded for more collaboration of the Traditional Leaders with Security Agencies in the area as well as engage the Government to deploy more security officers to conflict prone communities for sustained peace. They also requested for the Paramount Rulers attention towards resolving cattle rustling, Gender Based Violence/rape, land disputes, human rights abuse and violations, trespass and destruction of farm produce and boundary disputes which is often the common denominators of conflict amongst Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa State. The Paramount Traditional Rulers of Keana and Doma LGA pledged their commitment and support for the PAD in Nasarawa State and also on the demands presented. “In the words of Andoma of Doma, we have been reminded of our responsibilities today and what we have been doing to ensure peace is sustained in our domain”.
Following the exit of Search’s Benue State Project Coordinator, the new coordinator on resumption in the state engaged stakeholders at State level, on the State Peace Architecture and the Community Security Architecture Dialogue in advocacy and familiarization visits towards soliciting for their continued support for Search’s interventions in Benue State. A total of 24 stakeholders comprising 15 males and 9 females were reached from March 3rd - 5th. All stakeholders pledged their commitment to work with the new State Project Coordinator especially in implementation of Figure 37: Group Photograph during action plans for the sustainability of the State PAD and CSAD at advocacy and familiarization visits carried out by Search’s Benue State New Project LGA levels. Some of the Stakeholders engaged include Benue Coordinator to the Benue State Vigilante State Planning Commission, Benue State Network of NGOs, Command Justice Development and Peace Commission, Elohim Foundation and Community Links amongst others.
Activity 2.4 Conflict Transformation and Human Rights Training for Government Actors
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In strengthening the implementation of the rule of law and accountability measures by the government of focal states and relevant federal government institutions to respond to and prevent violence resulting from farmer- herder conflicts at the state levels, Search convened conflict transformation, human rights and dialogue trainings for Government Actors across Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States. The training was held Figure 38: Cross section of Participants at the Conflict Transformation and human rights training held in physically across the project states in September 2019 September 2019 and virtually in June 2020. The activity had in attendance a total of 160 stakeholders comprising 104 males and 56 females who were drawn from a diverse range of stakeholders comprising the security agencies, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Traditional Institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The training seeks to change the narratives of focal state government officials and their institutions to having an improved ability and comprehensive approach to prevent violence and impunity, enhanced accountability as responders in protecting the rights of both farmers and herders. There was robust interaction among the stakeholders who were engaged in group discussions to further deepen relationships and synergy. A Participant shared that the collaborative approach had helped him to resolve a conflict scenario between motorcycle riders and noted that using his learning on collaboration was useful as he was able to resolve the dispute amicably. Other participants had the Figure 38: Screenshots from the virtual 2 days Joint Conflict transformation and human rights training for following feedback from the training: Learned about the Government Actors across Benue, Nasarawa and adversarial approach to conflict which is aggressive in Plateau States nature and also that conflict is neither positive nor negative, another participant learnt the concept of empathy by acknowledging and putting himself in the other person’s shoes. A Participant also learnt that the best approach in responding to conflict is collaboration as it gives a win-win solution while another Participant learnt the five responses to conflict and how to apply each approach depending on the particular conflict issues while pointing out that the best of all the responses is collaboration. Another Participant expressed his Figure 39: Participants during the conflict transformation excitement at participating in the Training. He training held at Benue State highlighted that he had learnt that there was the need to adopt the collaborative approach towards resolving conflicts as against the adversarial approach which he had used previously. He further stated that with the knowledge gained at the training, he was sure that most of his engagements would henceforth seek to end with win-win situations that would further promote healthy relationships. Another Participant shared that he would ensure to deploy more
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report empathy in the discharge of his duties towards effective transformation of conflict. The following quotes were gotten from the post training evaluation on the participants:
● “Previously Security was all about reactive in terms of arrests and prosecution, but this training has helped in diversifying our security approach”. ● “I thought that conflict and violence are synonymous, but now have a new perspective.” ● “Six months ago I would never have had virtual training. I am privileged to participate in virtual training for two days. This I can practice in my organization. Thank you Search for Common Ground for this opportunity”. ● “Last year if any of my subordinates' inadequacy comes to my knowledge I will without hesitation notify him in writing and demand he/she submit an explanation as to why he/she should not be punished but now I listen with empathy.” ● “Months back I would never have chatted with counterparts from Nasarawa and Benue states, but look at me now discussing with them about our region's future for the past 2 days”. ● “ I have been empowered to communicate up down involving all categories of people in terms of rights, societal issues etc”.
While the comparative analysis of the Pre and Post test of all the Conflict Transformation, Human Rights and Dialogue Training for Government Actors held in September 2019 showed an 8.4 average Percentage (%) change in knowledge gained, the training held with the actors virtually in June 2020 showed an average of 22% knowledge increase.
5. Activities Contributing to Objective 3 Activity 3.1 Conflict Sensitivity Training to Journalists Search held three Conflict Sensitivity Trainings engaging 96 participants (65 male, 31 female), one in each of the three target states on the following dates: 27th to 29th November 2018 (Nasarawa State), 3rd to 5th April 2019 (Plateau State) and 21st to 23rd May 2019 (Benue State). (See Annex D, Table 6 for details). These three-day training sessions were facilitated by a consultant with support from State Project Coordinators and Senior Program Manager. Search’s Common Ground Approach, a methodology focused on fostering collaborative and non-adversarial approaches to conflict, was applied to journalism and media. The training included plenary lectures, experiential learning, group work, and transformative dialogue processes to cover sessions on media basics, mapping local conflict, defining conflict and violence, adversarial and collaborative approaches towards resolving conflict, journalism and conflict objectivity, trauma and journalism, and identity and dignity. The participants included heads of media stations, directors, editors, reporters, and correspondents of private and public, electronic and print media institutions. Some participants were invited from security agencies, NHRC, and the community in order to have a balanced discussion and also to create synergy for better working relationship between them and the media in future.
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Many of the journalists, particularly in Benue state, are indigenes of the state and as such have directly suffered the impacts of the conflict. The training aimed at shifting their perception, so as to not have their personal identity affect their reports. The analysis of the pre and post-test revealed that there was an average increase in knowledge of 23.5 percent. The feedback from participants also included support for the format and approach of Figure 40: Group picture of participants at Conflict the training. For example one participant said, “The Sensitivity Training in Nasarawa state, November 2019 method of the training was not the usual conventional boring type, it was practical in nature and informative and interactive.” They also found the content concerning conflict sensitivity in reporting to be relevant and informative. One participant said, “It was insightful. I was equipped with so much information on how to be better in reporting conflict” and “It opened my eyes on the sensitive nature of media reports in conflict situations.” By the end of the training, many shared that they realized their reports have contributed to the negative consequences of the conflict in their state, and that this was not a constructive means to channel their pain. They focused on how to shift from reactive reporting to proactive coverage that does not only report on the conflict when there is violence. The training also provided an opportunity for networking between journalists so that they could share information and coordinate in the future. To further build on their new knowledge and skills and put their learning into practice, the participants were supported by the project’s media fellowships (Activity 3.3) to implement journalism and media projects.
The training helped me understand the complex nature of human begins, and how I can balance up my reports objectively and with fact finding. This will help me report my stories in a sensitive manner that will not lead to conflict but rather lead to peaceful living in the society.” – Media professional, Conflict Sensitivity Training, Nasarawa State
The activities were also widely reported by most media platforms in the target states.11 Communiqué’s were written at the end of each training (see Annex F). In Benue state, the communiqué requested the federal government to establish a Middle Belt Development Commission. In Plateau state, they requested that journalists take into cognizance the fundamental human rights of citizens, including those involved in the conflict, while reporting because the constant and flagrant violation of human rights has continued to trigger humanitarian crises across the region.
Activity 3.2 Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtables Search organized 6 Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtables, two in each of the three target states, which engaged a total of 192 participants (123 male, 69 female) (see Annex D, Table 7 for details). The first three set of round tables discussions were focused on the theme “Farmer-Herder Conflict: Policy Options for Next Level and the Role of Media” and aimed at enhancing public understanding of the farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and, countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases and negative narratives that fuel violence. The first round of media roundtables were held on 12th April 2019 at Nasarawa State, 15th April 2019 at Benue State and 11th June 2019 at
11 Articles highlighting the activity: https://punchng.com/were-working-hard-to-end-farmers-herders-crisis-in-plateau-say-stf- police/ ; http://skynewsafrica.net/index.php/2019/04/04/nigerias-military-taskforce-peace-agency-lauds-ngo-for-engaging- journalists-on-farmer-herder/ ; https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/05/22/search-trains-journalists-on-conflict-sensitivity-reporting/ ; https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-urged-to-establish-north-central-development-commission.html Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 41
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Plateau State. Media heads and senior journalists from print, broadcast and social media houses, government actors, and community members were in attendance. This included representation from Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), TVC News, Galaxy TV, Benue Radio, Jay FM, and Leadership Newspaper, among others. Resource persons were also drawn from academia, policymakers, and civil society to present papers to serve as the basis for the discussions.
The activity provided an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together to discuss the specific role and responsibility of journalists in the conflict. A representative from NUJ shared, “We want to thank Search for another opportunity to interface with other stakeholders. We are excited about this roundtable, because it will bring forth more channels to learn, unlearn, and relearn key things in our field as journalists.” Participants were highly engaged in the discussions, which included the identification of commonalities shared by the two groups, recognition of the lack of coverage of the Figure 41: Participants at Conflict Sensitivity herder perspective by the media due to them being in less Roundtable in Plateau, June 2019. accessible locations and less likely to trust journalists, and human rights, governance, and economic issues related to the conflict. The participants recognized the way in which the terminology affected people’s perception of the conflict, as one participant from Plateau state said, “The issues regarding the conflict should not be seen as a farmer-herder conflict rather as a rural conflict, because both parties are occupants of the community.” The activities were well covered by the media as well, spreading the message beyond the participants directly engaged to the wider population.12
In the end the participants agreed to leverage on Search’s CSAD and PAD platforms in the future to facilitate their coverage of herders’ stories and perspectives for more balanced reporting. Government officials present at the meeting also had an opportunity to hear how to better approach these issues, as for instance some herders claimed they were not adequately carried along from the
Figure 42: Screenshots from the virtual joint two inception of the Open Grazing Law in Benue State. Action days conflict sensitivity Media Round Table held at plans were drawn for all the group representatives to step- Plateau State in June 2020 down on their return to their communities. These action plans included: ● Media representatives and community members to step down the knowledge they gained during the meeting on the conflict; ● Community members to chart cattle routes in their communities with the cooperation of farmers and herders; and ● Traditional rulers to re-establish the traditional dispute resolution mechanism to address cases that are not criminal in nature.
12 Articles highlighting the activity: https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/16/media-charged-reduce-incidences-farmers-herders- conflicts-reportage ; https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/25/consultant-advocates-scrapping-of-normadic-education/ ; https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/04/16/media-charged-reduce-incidences-farmers-herders-conflicts-reportage/ ; https://thevoicenewspaper.net/2019/04/17/stakeholders-counsel-journalists-on-conflict-reporting/ Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 42
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Reports from Search’s DMEL monitoring mission has shown that these action plans have been implemented by the various representatives through the reports received on step down of the deliberations by the Media fellows and media stakeholders across the Project States, strengthening of local peace mechanisms through peace committees by Community Leaders in attendance and ongoing processes of identification and reopening of cattle routes across the communities.
“We want to sincerely thank Search for their efforts in ensuring we have forums to talk and iron out our differences.” - Traditional Leader, Nasarawa state In the second year of the project, Search convened three virtual conflict sensitivity media roundtables with stakeholders in Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States on 4th, 23rd and 25th June 2020 with the theme: “From Herding to Sedentarisation: Exploring the issues, Opportunities and challenges of farmer-herder conflict in the middle belt”. The media round table had in attendance 91 stakeholders comprising 55 male and 36 female from the media, relevant Government Ministries, departments and Agencies, Security Agencies and Civil Society Organisations from the State PAD.
The media roundtables featured three media and
Figure 43: : Screenshots from the virtual joint two days peacebuilding experts who facilitated discussions conflict sensitivity Media Round Table held at Benue which improved awareness on critical stakeholders State in June 2020 across the three states on the causes of farmer and herder conflicts, recommendations for managing and reporting incidents of the related conflicts by the media and other stakeholders in attendance. It also improved the understanding of the media and stakeholders on human rights violations and gave recommendations on promoting conflict sensitive reporting of the human rights abuses and violations emerging from the occurrence of farmer and herder conflicts. Key recommendations and consensus reached at the media round table across the project states include the following: The Media was encouraged to ensure objective reportage, citing the effect of a one sided story. This is said to be dangerous and capable of derailing the peace enjoyed in communities. The need for community policing was also emphasized, as this is important and crucial in ensuring ownership of the process. The need for sensitization of the populace was also encouraged to be deployed in languages most conversant with them such that they understand better and in time the messages intended for their consumption.
Activity 3.3 Media Fellowships
The objective of the fellowship was to enhance public understanding of the farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive content and countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases, and negative narratives that fuel violence, while further building on the skills and knowledge of the trained journalists in the second year of the project. An advert was placed for those trained to apply for the fellowship. Selection criteria was developed and Search Figure 44: Search’s media fellows doing secured the support of the media houses to ensure the group work at induction workshop in Nasarawa state, August 2019 Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 43
Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report success of the fellowship program. Following the application process, 21 media fellows (10 male, 11 female) were selected - five from television, ten from radio, and six from print media. In the third quarter of the fellowship, a fellow resigned due to new job requirements, hence 20 fellows completed the programme at the end of July 2020.
After their selection, the fellows were drawn together in a two-day induction workshop held August 20- 21, 2019 with all the media fellows. The fellows expressed a sense of commitment to this process as many of them said it was their first experience with peace journalism, as opposed to other fellowship programs focused on investigative journalism. They fully embraced the responsibility of participating in this component of the project, as one female fellow said, “The fellowship means a call to action; it means I am putting in my professionalism to bear to ensure that these communities ‘under my care’ move from tolerating themselves, to accepting one another.” 13
After the induction, the fellows have begun producing news reports, jingles, documentaries and programs to foster peace. The fellows attended all the project activities (CSADs, PADs, Conflict transformation, Human Right and Dialogue training) in all the three states and focal LGAs of project implementation. Each fellow also submitted at least a product (Jingles, News report or Radio program etc.) every month. Overall, through Search engagement across the three states the media fellows now have access to meet with most of the stakeholders from the farmers and herders communities that are worst hit by the violent conflicts, which served as a basis for balancing their reports/stories on the conflicts. Search has also found their coverage of the conflict since their engagement in the project has not been controversial or biased. Media coverage of the event further supported the spread of this message for conflict sensitive and accountable reporting.14
Seember Tsevende, who works with Harvest FM (FRCN) in Makurdi the capital city of Benue state, organized a step down training for her colleagues on the 30th October 2019. She stepped down the knowledge she acquired from the fellowship. A total of 14 staff were in attendance. She had this to say:
Figure 45: Search’s media fellows doing group work at induction workshop in Nasarawa state, “My General Manager, Mr Akange Nyagba, supports August 2019 anything I am doing for Search. I told my acting Head of Department (HOD), who also knows I am a media fellow, that I wanted to talk to the program staff on Search's impact on me and the activities I am involved in through the fellowship.”
13 Marie-Therese Nanlong, “Why Peace Efforts in Plateau Must be Sustained,” Vanguard, August 25, 2019. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/why-peace-efforts-in-plateau-must-be-sustained/ 14Articles highlighting the activity: https://www.thestateofplateau.com/2019/09/plateau-moves-to-end-farmersherders.html ; http://nigerianpilot.com/ngo-inducts-21-media-fellows-for-nasarawa-benue-and-plateau/ . Search for Common Ground | NIGERIA 44
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In January 2020, Search’s team engaged a mentor to provide support to the fellows during visits to the fellows in their respective states for a review of their objectives, to evaluate their work and impact so far, develop a new work plan, work on challenges encountered and also to strategize towards the end of project activities. Key highlights of the media fellow’s engagements across the States include the joint interview carried out by the media fellows in Nasarawa State with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association’s (Prominent Herders group) Leadership which highlighted the issues and concerns raised from the side of the herders towards joint solutions to the Farmer-Herder conflicts in the state and was broadcasted by media houses in the State. In Benue State, the fellows reported active participation in Search’s engagements and reports on themes such as the IDPs, NLTP, Youths and peace building in the state, and reports on the sensitization of the people on the controversial Anti-Open Grazing law in the state. Media fellows from Benue also carried out two step down training sessions for 15 staff (9 Males and 6 Females) of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) offices in Benue State and also for 12 media professionals at the NUJ press center of Benue State. The step down training at the NUJ center was conducted by the fellows themselves to other colleagues of the media. They focused on the topic, “Framing”. The several ways of framing news to avoid causing harm. The step down from FRCN was done on October 30, 2019 and the media fellow discussed the topics she learnt from the training. The aim was to solicit support from her colleagues in producing programs that have peace themes and peace related so that peace efforts can be sustained in Benue state.
Figure 46: Group Photograph of the Media Fellows Other notable contents produced by the fellows include and Search Team during the Reflection and resolutions from the inter-border meetings held between Sustainability Meeting the Government of Nasarawa and Benue at the conflict prone border area axis which is divided into two sectors of the Western sector which connects from Akwanaja to Kadarko and the Eastern sector which connects from Kadarko to Jangarigari in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State. /Towards resolving the root causes and reaching resolutions for sustainable peace, a Media Fellow in Plateau published content to increase awareness on the Tonga Cattle market mechanism put in place by the market authorities to checkmate cattle rustling and entry of unverified herders into the market to trade.
In preparation for the close out of the media fellowship programme ahead of the project’s closing in August, Search held a one day reflection and sustainability meeting with media fellows across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States on 14th July 2020 at Nasarawa State. The meeting with the fellows was convened for the media fellows to reflect on the impacts, successes, lessons learnt and challenges of the media fellowship programme. The reflection meeting also highlighted opportunities for the fellows to incorporate their key lessons from the fellowship in their daily endeavors as journalists with specialization in peacebuilding. As part of the close out and reflection activity, individual testimonials of media fellows for the duration of the fellowship were recorded on site, and later developed into a
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report documentary for the project which would be communicated to the donor. A compendium of contents from the fellowship has also been produced and is included as an attachment to this report.
Activity 3.4 Social Media Campaign
Search’s social media campaign has continued to enhance the public’s understanding of the farmer- herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and, countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases and negative narratives that fuel violence. In the second year of the project, Search engaged a total of 53,998 persons as a result of production and dissemination of project related content pertaining to the promotion of freedom of religion and beliefs. 17 episodes of an audio drama series titled “our heritage” which disseminated key messages on key areas for escalating conflicts, dispelling rumors, countering hate speech and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders which can be accessed via https://soundcloud.com/sfcg-nigeria/sets/our-heritage-audio-drama-series.
Search also produced seven podcasts which featured key opinion leaders comprising 1 male and 1 female who are well known in the public space. The Podcasts were focused on “effective policy initiatives for curbing security breaches amidst COVID-19 pandemic and the world malaria day with the theme ‘Zero Malaria starts with me’. Other podcasts featured key opinion leaders in persons of Sarah Ochekpe (former minister of water resources), Hon. Yakubu Dakwak (Chief Justice of Plateau State) and Bitrus Kaze (former member, representing Jos South/Jos north in the Federal House of Representatives). The podcast focused on “effective policy initiatives for curbing security breaches amidst COVID-19 pandemic, "Influencing Effective Policy Initiatives targeted at curbing security Breaches Amidst COVID- 19, especially between Farmers and Herders", Towards Ensuring Sustainable Synergies Between Farmers and Herders in Nigeria’s Middle belt during in and off seasons and the world malaria day with the theme ‘Zero Malaria starts with me’. These contents were disseminated across Search’s social media platforms consisting of Facebook, twitter and Instagram via these links. All of these initiatives are geared towards continuous engagement of stakeholders on key areas where there are escalating conflicts, to dispel rumours, countering hate speech and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
6. M&E Activities
Monitoring Visits: Search’s DMEL team conducted several activity monitoring visits in the three target states to follow up on action plans and resolutions made in CSADs and intra-dialogue meetings and to also explore the perception of the community members and other stakeholders on the project. The visit was used to monitor activity implementation and engagements between farmers, herders, government and security officials and other project stakeholders. The visits were conducted May 26-20, 2019 in Benue state and July 21-26 in Nasarawa state, as well as throughout the reporting period in Plateau state with visits to Jos North LGA on April 2, Jos South LGA on April 18, Riyom LGA on March 18, and Barkin Ladi on June 13. During these visits, community members expressed that their perceptions about the herder and farmer conflict was changing as they got more understanding of other communities. The visits also
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report revealed some lessons and areas of strengthening implementation of the project such as the need to carry out further advocacy visits to the local government chairmen to encourage them to support communities. This has since been included in community action plans. Furthermore, the visit revealed that more herder women are willing to actively participate in program activities, so there is a need to deliberately explore safe spaces and opportunities for them to do so. This is very important for the project to meet its targets for women participation and also capture and address the views and perception of women in project planning and implementation.
The DMEL team also conducted a project-wide quarterly monitoring visit on June 16-28, 2019 to all eight of the project target LGAs. The visit was used to follow up on participants’ action plans and recommendations from the various project activities, document results from their implementation, determine the perception of the project by community members and other stakeholders and areas that need improvement in planning and implementation, and identify and document cases of community peace building efforts and improved engagement and collaboration between farmers and herders. It was found that participants and other stakeholders are aware and informed about the different components of the project and the main objective of the project as they seem to understand the link between the activities and take actions where necessary to achieve the outcome of the project. The chairman of the CSAD in Otukpo LGA said, “We were informed by the project team that Search for Common Ground has different platforms on the farmer-herder project. They are CSAD and PAD, issues that cannot be resolved at the CSAD are taken to the PAD were decision makers and other government officials participate.” Responses such as this demonstrated that the participants are aware of other components of the project and how they are interconnected and dependent on each other.
In addition, community members are working with the CSADs to implement the action plans developed at the platform meetings. In Otukpo LGA in Benue state, for instance, a herder mobilized 70 herders, 20 persons from Otukpo and 50 in Awe, and enlightened them on ways to effectively graze without destroying farmers’ crops and farmland. While some action plans made during activities are being implemented, a few that require large amount of funds or logistics are left out due to a lack of funds to support the necessary actions. Overall, community members were appreciative of the inclusiveness and neutrality of Search’s work, how much respect for human rights and traditions of the people was emphasized and the participatory approaches adopted. They are also taking actions within their communities aimed at promoting peace.
In the Second Year, the DMEL team conducted project activity monitoring visits between September to October 2019 to the three project’s focal states (Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States). The visit was aimed at assessing the significance and effectiveness of project activities and to determine to what extent the project has been able to meet its set objectives and what, if any, changes that could be made to effective programming. The visit was used to monitor activity implementation and engagements between farmers, herders, government and security officials and other project stakeholders. The findings from the visits revealed that the perceptions of community members were positively changing, as relationships between farmers and herders were improved through the adaptation of collaboration in conflict resolution at the community level. The majority of respondents from Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGA
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report revealed that through recommendations and action plans made at CSAD platforms, they have been able to break the barriers of “no go areas” in some of their communities. It was also very clear that the dialogue has had a great impact on the LGAs as they were able to set up the Local Peace Mechanism called “Peace Committees” saddled with the responsibility of resolving conflict issues resulting from clashes between farmers and herders. An example is the meeting convened by the Peace Committee of Okpatta Community at Doma LGA on 2nd September 2020 which had in attendance the Community Leader and Wakilin Ardo of Okpatta community as part of the action plans from the Inter dialogue meeting held in August, 2020. The meeting had in attendance 40 stakeholders across farmers and herders from the okpatta community. Highlight of the meeting was sensitization on the dangers of crop destruction and the formation of a joint vigilante patrol team comprising both farmers and herders and other ethnic groups in the community to address issues affecting both farmers and herders across the Community.
The DMEL team also conducted project-wide monitoring visits in July 2020 which served as the final internal evaluation of the project. The visits were aimed at assessing the impact, sustainability, key learnings, and challenges of the project in the 8 LGAs of project implementation. The visit targeted CSAD, PAD, Media Fellows, and government actors in the three project implementing states. Findings from the mission reveal that the project has been impactful in transforming the farmer-herder conflict in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa States, with stated evidence of collaboration between farmers and herders in mitigating conflict issues in their immediate and neighboring communities, as well as improved collaboration between civil society actors, Federal government agencies, the media, farmers, and herders in utilizing the early warning response mechanism put in place by Search in conflict resolution, crisis management and conflict prevention in different communities of the project’s implementing states leading to the arrest of perpetrators of criminal acts in their various communities. Several stories of impact are captured in Annex A.
Needs Assessment: As a need to continue programme implementation amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic, the DMEL team conducted a needs assessment to stakeholders, to ascertain the best digital platform for programme implementation. This helped in programme mitigation decisions despite the pandemic, and in the reporting period led to the digital implementation of activities cutting across 8 Peace Architecture Dialogues (PAD), 3 Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtables, 1 Conflict Transformation and Human Rights Training to Government Actors and 1 Middle-belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue implemented between the months of May-June 2020. As a result of administering an online training evaluation at the Conflict Transformation and Human Rights Training to Government Actors, a 22% increase in knowledge gained was recorded. The DMEL team also conducted detailed key informant interviews with PAD members during the national lockdown to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on programming and the peace process in farming and herding communities of the Middlebelt. Findings from phone interviews revealed that despite the restriction imposed by the Federal and State governments on movement and social interaction, there were cases of violent attacks in some communities in Benue and Nasarawa States. However, stakeholders also stated that the pandemic has impacted on the existing social ties between
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report farming and herding communities, and applauded Search’s team for their swift response in adopting virtual platforms for engaging with stakeholders to continue the peacebuilding process through the implementation of action plans in mitigating violent conflicts between farmers and herders in the Middlebelt.
Data Quality Assessment:
In the reporting period, the team conducted 2 Data Quality Assessment (DQA), the first was on the 14th of October 2019 which was aimed at assessing the quality of project data, filing system and documentation. Findings from the DQA revealed that most participants during activities do not fill complete information on the data collection tool (attendance sheets). It was recommended that during activities, staff should closely monitor and guide participants in filling the attendance sheets. The second DQA was conducted in July 2020 to improve data quality in the Middlebelt, and to validate all programme activity data from the inception of the project (September 2018 to August 2020). Some notable findings were; ● The project has achieved a 92% implementation rate in activities conducted, leaving 8% pending outputs which is as a result of the project not meeting the expected number of Media Fellows to be reached on the activity. This was measured by the project target for each activity against the overall cumulative output of project activities. ● 42% of government actors trained on Conflict Transformation and Human Rights reported utilization of the knowledge and skills gained to improve their work three to six months post- training. Some Government Actors attested to the impact of the training by their ability to conduct sensitization campaigns on the anti-open grazing law in Benue state, and in assisting in checkmating the usual excess in human rights violation in their communities. ● The Dutch project has a gender-parity goal of a minimum 40% female and 60% male representation, however, the current female representation as at August 2020 indicates a 29% female and 71% male representation. The low female representation on the project despite deliberate inclusion of women in the activities was due to cultural and religious factors within the Project Communities which limited the participation of women in community engagements. ● A total of 53,998 persons have been reached via social media campaigns on the Dutch project since inception. ● Over 225 conflict-sensitive media contents were produced by Media Fellows on the project. ● 35% of journalists trained on Conflict-sensitivity reported utilization of the knowledge and skills gained from Search to improve their work three to six months after the training. The Journalists have utilised skills acquired from the training to train and share ideas with their media colleagues in changing the negative narrative of the farmer-herder conflict in the middle belt. They have also utilised the skills gained from Search’s training to produce media contents that deescalate conflicts between farmers and herders in the Middle-belt. ● 44% of participants reported understanding of conflict-sensitive reporting of human rights violations and abuses as a result of participation in media round tables in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states of project implementation.
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● 45% of federal and focal state government officials reported improved ability and comprehensive approaches to prevent violence and impunity. ● 35% of media practitioners reported having increased their capacity to provide coverage on addressing impunity, enhancing accountability and rule of law in addressing the causes, drivers and consequences of farmer-herder conflict in the 3 focal states of project implementation. Respondents surveyed have utilized the skills gained from these trainings in publishing conflict- sensitive media stories on the farmer-herder conflict (https://www.nextedition.com.ng/three- killed-as-opws-captures-militia-leader-in-benue-communal-clash). The Media practitioners also conducted sensitization training to people living with disabilities on how to be conflict-sensitive to maintain peace in their communities. Other respondents have trained women in their communities on conflict sensitivity and mitigation approaches in preventing violent conflict in their communities.
Action Plans: While some of the action plans developed in the reporting period were implemented, a few that required a large amount of funds or logistics were left out due to the lack of funds to support the necessary actions. Overall, community members were appreciative of the inclusiveness and neutrality of Search’s work in how much respect for human rights and traditions of the people was emphasized and the participatory approaches adopted.
Review and Reflection Meetings: As part of activities to support quality, innovative and effective project implementation, the DMEL unit in close collaboration with the programme team, held the first project review meeting on May 2-3, 2019 with 14 staff (9 male, 5 female) in attendance at the Jos Office, including the Country Director, Finance Manager and Conflict and Policy Analyst. During this meeting the entire project was reviewed taking into consideration progress, achievements, challenges and lessons learnt from all departments. Recommendations and action plans were made in regards to some of the challenges identified which were adequately implemented.
As part of activities to support quality, innovative and effective project implementation, the DMEL team in close collaboration with the program team also organized two quarterly reflection meetings which were held on March 29 and July 4, 2019. The reflection meetings were aimed at reflecting on the project outputs, outcomes, progress and achievements and the identification of best practices and lessons learnt. During the meeting, recommendations were made to: ● Review participants list for more women inclusion in Benue and Nasarawa states; ● Identify Muslim food vendors as some participants do not eat meat cooked by vendors from other religion ● Allow participants to facilitate during activities to continue building their capacity to sustain the activities; ● Use the media to influence government officials who do not want to participate in program activities through advocacies and other social media platforms; ● Increase synergy between the media and other program components; and
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● DMEL to develop project materials that will be captured in the story booklet and newsletter.
The first four items were followed through and implemented by the teams following these meetings, while the last two items are ongoing efforts by the DMEL and program teams. Search will continue to organize these reflection meetings throughout the course of the project to continuously be adapting and improving the project to increase impact.
In the Second year of the Project, the Reflection meetings were focused on assessing the overall achievements, sustainability of established platforms by Search, obtaining key learnings and challenges of project implementation and to obtain recommendations. The programme team identified the adoption of Search’s CSAD model by the Plateau State Government’s Peacebuilding agency as a major project achievement. The adoption of Search’s CSAD methodology was done through the replication of similar CSAD structures in the 17 LGAs with front desk officers in each LGA who will serve as focal persons in Plateau State. A major challenge identified by the programme team was the frequent transition of Local Government Chairmen across the three states which poses to be a challenge to the sustainability of Search’s CSAD initiative. Also, the inability to meet the project’s gender benchmark was an identified challenge, inadequate provision of visibility materials on the project, the lack of coordination amongst the CSADs across the Project States, Non-inclusion of herders in decision making structures in the Project States. It was recommended at the Reflection meeting that a constant follow up with stakeholders be done to ensure the sustainability of established platforms by Search in strengthening community members in taking charge of collaboration with the LGA and at the state level. Also, the programme team recommended that Search should start entrenching stipends for implementing action plans in subsequent project proposals. Team members also need to explore the feasibility of using locally acceptable structures and platforms at the community level that are less capital intensive and can be sustainable by communities beyond the project.
7. Sustainability Search engaged local actors and stakeholders directly in the target areas hence building relationships between them and increasing their capacity to address conflict issues in their communities, Search’s project impact is been sustained by the participants as they continue to take ownership Figure 47: Jos North CSAD at one of their self sponsored meeting of this approach and the platforms used to foster Figure 48: Cross section of Keana CSAD members during their first self sponsored collaboration and address the causes of conflict between meeting farmers and herders. This has been evident in the stories shared
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Transforming Farmer-Herder Conflicts Final Report above that outline their newfound capacity to respond to and address conflict issues before violence breaks out or spreads. The commitment of the participants to the project platforms, particularly the CSAD, have also demonstrated their interest in sustaining the structure beyond the scope of Search’s intervention. The support of local authorities has been evidenced by their participation in the CSAD meetings, such as the Local Government Chairman who personally participates in the CSAD meetings in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Otukpo LGAs, rather than sending representatives. The LGA authorities have also approved the use of their chamber halls free of charge for the CSAD meetings across the three states. The Jos South LGA CSAD even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to become a legal platform with bank accounts to enable them solicit funding on their own.
Furthermore, government interest in sustaining the project CSAD and PAD platforms has provided an additional opportunity to further institutionalize the project platforms. While the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) had already taken ownership of the Plateau state PAD prior to this project, they are now also expressing their interest in adopting and sustaining the CSAD throughout the state as well. Aside from the CSAD in the project, the PAD began independently holding CSAD meetings in Shendam and Pankshin LGAs. Search will be coordinating with the PPBA to further expand their coverage of CSAD across the state, including sustainability planning for those supported by the project. Having seen the impact the PPBA has had in Plateau state after the PAD advocated for its establishment, the PAD in Nasarawa and Benue states are also proposing a state agency or commission to be established. Search will support the PAD and the state governments where possible to follow through on this action plan. The following are highlights of the project sustainability outcomes across the Project States:
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● The CSAD platform in all the project focal states and LGAs is beginning to hold self sponsored meetings in which the reports are usually submitted to Search. This will ensure sustainability of the project. ● The Local Government of all the 8 LGA’s of project implementation have continued to support the project with free halls for meetings within their various secretariats. ● The PAD platform across Benue and Nasarawas States are beginning to advocate for the establishment of a Peace Commission in the State. ● Through several meetings and recommendations of the CSAD, the chairman of Otukpo LGA through the Benue State government donated a Hilux van to the vigilante group for effective response on security issues at the community level. The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) will continue to use the Van to secure their community even after the project has ended. ● Many WhatsApp platforms that exist amongst stakeholders under the project allow for meetings, information sharing on early warning and response in most of the communities. ● The CSAD platform in Plateau through its self-sponsored sustainability plan, held the first meeting on January 28, 2020 in Jos North LGA and Barkin-Ladi. The meeting was attended by Search for Common Ground staff, with 25 members comprising 19 males and 6 females. Matter arising from the meeting was to enhance efforts for advocacy to the Chairman of the council and lawmakers representing the LGA at the state assembly towards sponsorship of the platform on action plans implementation. ● Benue State Planning Commission and Ministry of Women Affairs has provided a venue for the PAD meetings in the State in order to support the sustainability of the Peace Architecture Dialogue Platform. Benue State Planning commission which currently serves as the Chair of the Peace Architecture Dialogue in the State has also hosted the steering committee meetings for its members as well as coordinated the process of convening and inviting key stakeholders to attend the Peace Architecture Dialogue meetings. ● The CSAD platform in Otukpo LGA in Benue State continued to implement action plans developed during the CSAD meetings supported by Search on its own hence promoting peaceful coexistence in the community. ● The CSAD platform in Guma LGA in Benue State has also engaged the Chairman of the Local Government on the need for continued funding of CSAD meetings in the LGA after Search’s funding ends in order to ensure its sustainability. The LGA Chairman who affirmed the effectiveness of CSAD in the LGA committed to supporting subsequent CSAD meetings in the LGA once Search’s support is over. ● The Peace Architecture Dialogue in Benue is working with other International Non Governmental Organisations and UN Agencies who are also working in the State towards the sustainability of the Peace Architecture Dialogue through the establishment of the State Peace Establishments. The Organisations include International Alert, UNDP and UN Women. Search has also the process of engaging the Legislature in the State through an advocacy visit to the Majority Leader of Benue State House of Assembly who promised the support of the Legislature in getting the bill for establishment of Benue State Peace Agency/Commission passed into law.
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● In Keana LGA, members of the CSAD held their first self sponsored meeting on 5th of November 2019. 40 Members were in attendance and they brainstormed on how early warning incidences will be reported for immediate response. ● Search and Benue State PAD obtained commitment from the Majority Leaders and other Principal Officers of Benue State House of Assembly to support the process of passing into Law the “The Bill for the Establishment of Benue State Peace Commission or Agency”. It is expected that once the bill is passed into Law and assented to by the Governor, the Commission or agency will sustain the engagements of the State PAD. ● The Paramount Rulers of Keana and Doma in Nasarawa State have pledged their continued support for Nasarawa State PAD and the CSADs in their domains. This commitment will further promote the credibility of the State PADs and initiatives of the CSADs. ● The CSAD at Otukpo LGA in Nasarawa State has continued the process of formal registration as a Community Based Organisation with the Local Government Authorities. They have also designed and agreed on a logo and letterhead for all correspondence of the CSAD. The CSAD at Otukpo has also agreed to produce identification cards for all its members for easy identification during its peace engagements with key stakeholders. These actions will no doubt sustain the CSAD in Otukpo LGA beyond the project intervention. Search will in the next reporting period provide close mentorship and support towards formal transition of the CSAD to a Community Based Organisation with all organizational structures and systems in place. ● The CSADs in 8 LGAs across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States have continued to convene self -sponsored multi stakeholder dialogues around rising conflicts which has led to peaceful resolution of lingering farmer and herder conflicts and also further promoted the sustainability of our intervention. This has also further improved communication and collaboration between community members and relevant stakeholders hence improving their early warning and early management systems. ● The advocacy meetings with Benue State House of Assembly and the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Conflict Resolution has reiterated the commitment of the Governors of both States to sustaining the State Peace Architecture Dialogues beyond Search’s funding on the Dutch Project due to the notable impacts of improved collaboration and communication amongst stakeholders as well as improved peaceful coexistence in the Project LGAs and States. The Legislators at Benue State House of Assembly have promised to support the passage of Benue State Peace Commission Law.
● The PAD in Nasarawa State has elected an interim executive led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs who has promised to support the meetings of the PAD for the next three months covering August to November 2020 until the State Government finally takes up the funding of the PAD in the State. ● Findings from the responses from FGD and KII conducted with 105 stakeholders during the monitoring visit on the sustainability of the platforms developed by Search post-funding revealed a willingness and palpable evidence of the sustainability of the CSAD and PAD platforms in the states of project implementation. This was evident in actions already taken by members in ensuring the sustainability of the platforms developed by Search. CSAD members in
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Keana, Otukpo, Jos North are already making financial contributions ranging from the sum of 300 to 500 naira to implement group-sponsored CSAD meetings and implementation of Action Plans at the LGAs. Members of the CSAD in Keana have gone as far as adopting every Tuesday of the week for their group-sponsored meetings without Search’s presence. There is great optimism of the CSAD platform being institutionalized by the Local Government Council in Otukpo LGA as both the chairman and his representative are members of the CSAD platforms and are working to see that this happens. CSAD platforms across the three states have commenced self-sponsored meetings except for Doma LGA in Nasarawa state has not yet specified in clear terms when they will commence meetings. ● Members of the PAD have gone as far as producing Identity cards for carrying out action plans in Otukpo and have been having group-sponsored CSAD meetings. Efforts in Jos North and Barkin- Ladi LGA CSAD platforms have been made to register the CSAD with the Corporate Affairs Commission, already, a logo and letterhead have been created and members conduct group- sponsored meetings that take place monthly.
8. Output Tracker Overall Overall Activity Year 2 Year 2 Activity Output Target Cumulative Pending Notes Number Target Outputs Outputs Outputs
Goal: Prevent violence and the destruction of lives and properties resulting from protracted violent conflicts between farmers and herders while combating impunity and promoting the freedom of religions and belief in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.
Objective 1: To increase collaboration between farmer and herder communities to develop joint, effective, sustainable local mechanisms for early warning response, dispute management, and violence prevention and mitigation at community level.
Act 1.1 Conflict 6 6 6 6 0 Completed. Transformation, Human Rights, and Dialogue Training
Act 1.2 Transformative 9 9 27 27 0 Completed. Dialogue Processes
Act 1.3 CSAD 31 29 72 75 0 Completed.
Objective 2: To mobilize religious leaders and policymakers to jointly counter violent rhetoric through positive public messages of religious pluralism and respect of human rights.
Act 2.1 Middle Belt State PAD 2 3 3 3 0 Completed Forum on Farmer-
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Herder Issues
Act 2.2 State PAD Follow-up 29 26 24 28 0 Completed Meetings
Act 2.3 Advocacy Visits and 9 6 13 13 0 Completed. Bilateral Meetings
Act 2.4 Conflict 1 1 4 4 0 Completed Transformation and Human Rights Training
Objective 3: To enhance public understanding of the farmer-herder conflicts by promoting conflict sensitive contents and countering hate speech, stereotypes, biases, and negative narratives that fuel violence.
Act 3.1 Conflict Sensitivity 0 0 3 3 0 Completed. Training to Journalists
Act 3.2 Conflict Sensitivity 3 3 6 6 0 Completed. Media Roundtables
Act 3.3 Media Fellowships 0 0 36 20 16 The number of Media fellows was originally 21 from the start of the project, but one of the fellows had to withdraw from the fellowship when he was offered employment by the Nigerian Navy.
Act 3.4 Social Media 49 49 5000 53,998 0 The media Campaign campa campaign campaign was an igns s ongoing campaign with a target of 5000. However, there
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is no limited threshold for campaigns and we ensured the social media handles were regularly updated with context-based contents.
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Annex A: Story of Impact
1. A PEACE AMBASSADOR Mr Isa Abubakar is a hardworking and dedicated member of the Community Security Architecture Dialogue (CSAD) representing the herder community and resides at Yalwa Ediya Community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Isa was initially a regular member of the community who was angry over the recurrent cycle of violent conflicts resulting from the farmer-herder conflict but did not possess the skills or platform to do anything concerning the problem. He was recommended and selected to represent his community in the CSAD platform. As a member, he was trained on Conflict Transformation Human Right and Dialogue and also participated in the transformative dialogue processes (Intra and inter dialogues) in his community. These training changed his perspective and perception of the conflict between farmers and herders that has been recurring in his community. The training gave him a sense of purpose as he realised that so many people within his community do not have this exposure or knowledge, so he began to step down what he had learnt to other community members who were not opportune to participate in the training. Isa became an advocate of peace in his community and was recognised by all Ardo’s and community leaders within and outside his community. He was later elected secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Aykye as a result of his achievements. Using the skills he has acquired, he was able to; ● successfully step-down what he learnt to 240 youths and elders within and outside his community ● led a team of CSAD members to sensitise the herders communities on the dangers and effects of underage grazing after which an agreement was reached in the community to ensure that children aged 10 and below are not allowed to go for grazing alone but with other adults to supervise and monitor them. ● resolved a conflict between a herder and a farmer that would have resulted in violence using the skills of mediation acquired from the trainings he attended in Search’s activities ● He also enlightened 50 youths who abuse drugs and other substances on the dangers and effects of those drugs they consume and they swore never to partake in the act again and he is currently following up with them and encouraging them to continue what they have started.
MEDIA FOR SOCIAL GOOD
Juliana Olajide is a peace ambassador working at Ice FM University of Jos as the producer of News and Current Affairs. She currently resides in the Jos-north Local Government Area of Plateau State. Juliana applied for Search’s media Fellowship programme and got accepted, and attests to the impact the fellowship has had on her approach in media content design and audience perception of news reports on farmer-herder conflict in the Middle-belt. As a peace ambassador, Juliana was inspired by lessons from the Fellowship and decided to pass on all she has learned to younger media students across universities in Nigeria. She conducted a virtual training on Peace Journalism on the 20th of January 2020 which had 400 students in attendance from different universities in Nigeria. As a result of the Fellowship program, Juliana is currently mentoring a University student in Plateau State on Peace Journalism. She is however saddened by the effect of COVID-19 on her broadcast station and is currently exploring more creative and virtual ways of reaching her participants and mentees to continue sensitising them on conflict-sensitive media reporting in the Middle-belt.
Ahemba Peter is the Nasarawa State correspondent of the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper who currently lives in Keana Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State. Prior to Search’s Media Fellowship, he did not have a sound grasp on reporting conflict sensitive issues until the fellowship program. As a result of the impact of the fellowship on him, Ahemba created a Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee with members cutting across the three major ethnic groups (Tiv, Alago and Fulani) in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Members of this committee have been able to mitigate the escalation of conflict issues arising from interaction between herders and farmers in Keana, they do this through dialogues with both herders and farmers in their communities. A recorded feat from this committee Ahemba formed was the arrest of some perpetrators of violence by a new gang known as ‘Tortiv Tse’ in Keana LGA, and because of the proactive response of this committee leaders, a member of the violent gang was apprehended and handed over to the police in Nasarawa State.
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Due to some recorded success in peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue States, Mr Ahemba recommended that Search should extend the programme to other States in the Middle-belt so that farmers and herders can reap the benefits of peaceful coexistence among one another in the remaining states of the Middle-belt such as Kogi and Kwara.
Annex B: Media Fellows monthly report PRINT SUBMISSION AND LINKS TO CONTENT PRODUCED BY MEDIA FELLOWS
The print submissions here highlighted covers from between the reporting period of September 2019 to August of 2020 and includes content published on Search’s social media handles.
SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019
NAME LINKS/TITLE
JULIANA OLAJIDE http://bit.ly/2LILXN ; Peace in the Middle belt: a pathway to guarantee food security.
HIR SCHOLASTICA https://www.nextedition.com.ng/truth-panacea-for-resolving- herder-farmer-conflicts-in-benue
https://247ureports.com/2019/08/herder-farmer-conflicts- search-inducts-journalists-as-media-fellows-in-the-middle-belt/
https://www.nextedition.com.ng/conflicts-stakeholders-to-call- for-a-peace-commission-in-benue
https://www.nextedition.com.ng/conflicts-search-trains-govt- actors-on-confliict-transformation-human-rights
https://247ureports.com/2019/09/insecurity-ortom-ngo-call- for-inter-agency-collaboration-in-ben
GOLOK NANMWA https://www.thestateofplateau.com/2019/09/plateau-moves- to-end-farmersherders.html
MASARA KIM https://mkreporters.media/how-nigerian-highschool-graduate- is-solving-farmer-herder-conflicts-using-e-waste/
https://www.masarakimsblog.com/2019/08/jos-highschool- graduate-makes.html
DECEMBER 2019-MARCH 2020
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1216991400606216193
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https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1216986940928679936
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204295232369631232
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1200000458804387840
https://twitter.com/MikeJobbins/status/1224873430912241665
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1225036490679431168
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1224986982885052416
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1224986920947781633
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1217770093762969600
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1214875142897188865
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1205067416981643266
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204778164007952385
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204714854306734080
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204693673298026497
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204295232369631232
JUNE-AUGUST 2020
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June-Web ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/herdsmen-communal-clash-claim-11-lives-in-benue links ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/apga-chieftain-rapes-15-year-old-in-benue-goes-into- hiding ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/house-of-rep-member-ngo-place-ransom-on-alleged- rapist-of-15-year-old-in-benue ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/benue-police-command-takes-custody-of-26-yr-old- over-rape-of-minor ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/benue-ndlea-nabs-three-suspects-with-300-bags-of- indian-hemp ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/security-women-association-donates-safety-items-to- makurdi-vigilante-group ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/fg-distributes-72209-bags-of-fertilizer-to-victims-of- flood-herder-farmer-conflicts-in-benue ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/man-rapes-11-year-old-maid-in-benue-blames-alcohol ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/otada-elders-call-for-arrest-prosecution-of-rapist-in- otukpo ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/three-killed-as-opws-captures-militia-leader-in-benue- communal-clash ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/opws-kill-two-bandits-recover-ak47-ammunitions-in- benue ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/ortom-inaugurates-23-lg-chairmen-tasks-themn- security ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/benue-police-declare-war-on-cultists-arrest-60- recover-arms ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/covid-19-ngo-christianaid-ukaid-donate-to-vulnerable- households-in-benue ● https://mkreporters.media/though-displaced-by-violent-attacks-helen-a-plateau- fashion-designer-hopes-to-train-farmer-herder-youths-to-keep-them-from-crime/ ● https://mkreporters.media/resumed-attacks-on-security-forces-any-thing-to-watch-in- plateau/
July-Web ● https://mkreporters.media/though-displaced-by-violent-attacks-helen-a-plateau- links fashion-designer-hopes-to-train-farmer-herder-youths-to-keep-them-from-crime/ ● https://mkreporters.media/resumed-attacks-on-security-forces-any-thing-to-watch-in- plateau/ ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/herder-farmer-conflicts-pad-stakeholders- recommend-multi-sectoral-approaches-to-end-feuds ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/intercep-translates-anti-open-grazing-law-into- hausa-language ● https://www.nextedition.com.ng/benue-security-council-approves-recruitment-of- 2300-community-policing-personnel
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Annex C: SOCIAL MEDIA PUBLICATION/POST
SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019
DECEMBER 2019-FEBRUARY 2020
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1216991400606216193
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1216986940928679936
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204295232369631232
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1200000458804387840
https://twitter.com/MikeJobbins/status/1224873430912241665
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https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1225036490679431168
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1224986982885052416
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1224986920947781633
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1217770093762969600
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1214875142897188865
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1205067416981643266
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204778164007952385
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204714854306734080
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204693673298026497
https://twitter.com/SFCGNigeria/status/1204295232369631232
JUNE-AUGUST 2020 ● FACEBOOK
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● SOUNDCLOUD
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Annex D: Breakdown of persons reached from activities implemented
Table 1: Conflict Transformation, Human Rights, and Dialogue Trainings Average Date LGA State Number of Participants Increase in Knowledge15 1 10-12 April 2019 Riyom and Barkin Ladi Plateau 48 (39 male, 9 female) 26% 2 27-29 May 2019 Jos North and Jos South Plateau 54 (36 male, 18 female) 23% 3 13-15 May 2019 Guma Benue 40 (30 male, 10 female) 24% 4 7-9 May 2019 Otukpo Benue 40 (25 Male, 15 female) 25% 5 16-18 July 2019 Keana Nassarawa 40 (28 Male, 12 Female) 17%
15 This is calculated based on the change in scores for pre- and post-tests administered during the trainings.
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6 22-24 July 2019 Doma Nassarawa 42 (30 Male, 12 Female) 19% Total: 264 (188 Male, 76 Female)
Table 2: Transformative Dialogue Processes
Activity Date LGA State Number of Participants Intra-dialogue 1 31 October 2018 Jos North Plateau 24 (19 male, 5 female) (Christian) Intra-dialogue 2 1 November 2018 Jos North Plateau 29 (21 male, 8 female) (Muslim) Inter-Dialogue 3 1 November 2018 Jos North Plateau 68 (53 male, 15 female) (Christian & Muslim) Intra-Dialogue 4 18 March 2019 Guma Benue 30 (18 male, 12 Female) (Farmers) Intra-Dialogue 5 19 March 2019 Guma Benue 34 (27 male, 7 female) (Herders) Intra-Dialogue 6 21 March 2019 Otukpo Benue 30 (17 male, 13 female) (Farmers) Intra-Dialogue 7 20 March 2019 Otukpo Benue 31 (20 male, 11 female) (Herders) Intra-Dialogue 8 27 March 2019 Riyom Plateau 30 (15 male, 15 female) (Farmers) Intra-Dialogue 9 28 March 2019 Riyom Plateau 36 (18 male, 18 women) (Herders) Inter-Dialogue 10 16 April 2019 Guma Benue 67 (50 male, 17 female) (Farmers & Herders) Inter-Dialogue 11 18 April 2019 Otukpo Benue 69 (43 male, 26 female) (Farmers & Herders) Inter-Dialogue 12 27 April 2019 Riyom Plateau 89 (53 male, 36 female) (Farmers & Herders) Intra-Dialogue 13 16 May 2019 Keana Nasarawa 34 (21 male, 13 female) (Herders) Intra-Dialogue 14 15 May 2019 Keana Nasarawa 29 (21 male, 8 female) (Farmers ) Intra-Dialogue 15 13 May 2019 Doma Nassarawa 32 (23 male, 9 female) (Farmers) Intra-Dialogue 16 14 May 2019 Doma Nassarawa 24 (17 male, 7 female) (Herders) Inter-Dialogue 17 20 July 2019 Keana Nassarawa 59 (42 male, 17 female) (Farmers & Herders) Inter-Dialogue 18 13 July 2019 Keana Nassarawa 65 (40 male, 25 female) (Farmers & Herders) Intra Dialogue 19 7th August 2020 Shendam Plateau 36 (32 male, 4 female) (Farmers)
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Intra Dialogue 20 8th August 2020 Shendam Plateau 30 (25 male, 5 female) (Herders) Intra Dialogue 21 11th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 33 (28 male, 5 female) (Farmers) Intra Dialogue 22 12th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 33 (22 male, 11 female) (Herders) Intra Dialogue 23 13th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 32 (26 male, 6 female) (Farmers) Intra Dialogue 24 14th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 35 (26 male, 9 female) (Herders) Inter Dialogue 25 (Farmers and 17th August 2020 Shendam Plateau 75 (63 male, 12 female) Herders) Inter Dialogue 26 19th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 72 ( 57 male, 15 female) (farmers and Herders) Inter Dialogue 27 20th August 2020 Doma Nasarawa 76 (58 male, 18 female) (farmers and Herders) Total: 1202 ( 855 men, 347 female)
Table 3: Details of CSAD Meetings
Date LGA State Number of Participants 1 12 November 2018 Keana Nasarawa 40 (24 male, 16 female) 2 15 November 2018 Doma Nasarawa 40 (29 male, 11 female) 3 21 November 2018 Riyom Plateau 39 (32 male, 7 female) 4 23 November 2018 Barkin Ladi Plateau 38 (25 male, 13 female) 5 11 December 2018 Jos North Plateau 46 (34 male, 12 female) 6 12 December 2018 Jos South Plateau 35 (26 male, 9 female) 7 15 January 2019 Keana Nasarawa 42 (28 male, 14 female) 8 16 January 2019 Doma Nasarawa 43 (31 male, 12 female) 9 16 January 2018 Riyom Plateau 51 (40 male, 11 female) 10 17 January 2018 Barkin Ladi Plateau 50 (44 male, 6 female) 11 27 January 2019 Guma Benue 42 (33 male, 9 female) 12 28 January 2019 Otukpo Benue 39 (27 male, 12 female) 13 6 February 2018 Jos North Plateau 43 (29 male, 14 female) 14 7 February 2019 Jos South Plateau 50 (32 male, 18 female) 15 18 March 2019 Riyom Plateau 50 (41 male, 9 female) 16 19 March 2019 Barkin Ladi Plateau 48 (40 male, 8 female) 17 21 March 2019 Keana Nasarawa 44 (28 male, 16 female) 18 22 March 2019 Doma Nasarawa 39 (27 male, 12 female) 19 26 March 2019 Guma Benue 39 (29 male, 10 female) 20 27 March 2019 Otukpo Benue 40 (24 male, 16 female)
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21 2 April 2019 Jos North Plateau 47 (32 male, 15 female) 22 18 April 2019 Jos South Plateau 47 (31 male, 16 female) 23 26 April 2019 Keana Nasarawa 39 (32 male, 7 female) 24 25 April 2019 Doma Nasarawa 43 (33 male, 10 female) 25 17 May 2019 Keana Nasarawa 36 ( 29 Male, 7 female) 26 18 May 2019 Doma Nasarawa 51 (33 male, 18 female) 27 27 May 2019 Guma Benue 41 (31 male, 10 female) 28 28 May 2019 Otukpo Benue 30 (17 male, 13 female) 29 12 June 2019 Riyom Plateau 48 (38 male, 10 female) 30 13 June 2019 Barkin Ladi Plateau 48 (41 male, 7 female) 31 13 June 2019 Keana Nasarawa 43 (26 male, 17female) 32 14 June 2019 Doma Nasarawa 55 (41 male, 14 female) 33 18 June2019 Jos North Plateau 42 (26 male, 16 female) 34 19 June 2019 Jos South Plateau 41 (28 male, 13 female) 35 25 June 2019 Guma Benue 45 (34 male, 12 female) 36 26 June 2019 Otukpo Benue 39 (26 male, 13 female) 37 16 July 2019 Riyom Plateau 39 (29 male, 10 female) 38 17 July 2019 Barkin Ladi Plateau 48 (39 male, 9 female) 39 29 July 2019 Guma Benue 43 (35 male, 8 female) 40 31 July 2019 Otukpo Benue 45 (33 male, 12 female) 41 14 August 2019 Jos North Plateau 41 (22 male, 19 female) 42 16 August 2019 Jos South Plateau 46 (30 male, 16 female) 43 20 August 2019 Keana Nasarawa 47 (33 male, 14 female) 44 21 August 2019 Doma Nasarawa 44 (32 male, 12 female) 45 26 August 2019 Guma Benue 34 (26 male, 8 female) 46 27 August 2019 Otukpo Benue 40 (31 male, 9 female) 47 11 September 2019 Riyom Plateau 46 (35 Male, 11 female) 48 12 September 2019 Barkin Ladi Plateau 50 (42 Male, 8 female) 49 18 September 2019 Keana Nasarawa 52 (33 Male, 19 female) 50 19 September 2019 Doma Nasarawa 40 (29 Male, 11 female) 51 23 September 2019 Guma Benue 38 ( 27 Male, 11 female) 52 24 September 2019 Otukpo Benue 31 (22 Male, 9 female) 53 02 October 2019 Jos North Plateau 42 ( 24 Male, 18 Female) 54 03 October 2019 Jos South Plateau 47 (30 Male, 17 Female) 55 22 October 2019 Keana Nasarawa 46 (30 Male, 16 Female) 56 23 October 2019 Doma Nasarawa 44 ( 32 Male, 12 Female) 57 28 October 2019 Guma Benue 41 (36 Male, 5 female) 58 12 November 2019 Guma Benue 45 (33 Male, 12 female) 59 13 November 2019 Otukpo Benue 38 (29 Male, 9 female) 60 25 November 2019 Keana Nasarawa 45 (32 Male, 13 female) 61 26 November 2019 Doma Nasarawa 41 (31 Male, 10 female) 62 20 January 2020 Guma Benue 36 (30 Male, 6 Female) 63 21 January 2020 Otukpo Benue 39 (26 Male, 13 Female) 64 4 February 2020 Doma Nasarawa 43 (29 Male, 14 Female)
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65 5 February 2020 Keana Nasarawa 42 (28 Males, 14 Female) 66 19 February 2020 Otukpo Benue 35 (27 Male, 8 Female) 67 21 February 2020 Guma Benue 36 (27 Male, 9 Female) 68 3 June 2020 Guma Benue 25 (21 Male, 4 Female) 69 4 June 2020 Otukpo Benue 22 (16 Male, 6 Female) 70 26-27 June 2020 Jos North Plateau 44 (27 Male, 17 Female) 71 2-3 July 2020 Jos South Plateau 40 (25 Male, 15 Female) 72 8 July 2020 Barkin Ladi Plateau 35 (26 Male, 9 Female) 73 8 July 2020 Otukpo Benue 30 (21 Male, 9 Female) 74 9-10 July 2020 Riyom Plateau 37 (29 Male, 8 Female) 75 10 July 2020 Guma Benue 26 (19 Male, 7 Female) Total: 3,117 (2,247 male, 870 female)
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Table 4: RPAD Meetings Held in the Reporting Period
S/N Mode of Date Number of Participants Implementation
1 Physical 11th – 12th December 2019 59 (45 male, 14 female)
2 Virtual 29th -30th June 2020 64 (41 male, 23 female)
3 Physical 4th -5th August 2020 50 ( 41 male, 9 female)
Total 173 ( Male-127, Female-46)
Table 5: PAD Meetings Held in the Reporting Period
S/N Date Mode of State Number of Participants implementa tion
1 9 April 2019 Physical Benue 45 (34 male, 11 female)
2 24 May 2019 Physical Benue 15 (9 male, 6 female)
3 20 June 2019 Physical Benue 40 (31 male, 9 female)
4 25 July 2019 Physical Nasarawa 40 (34 male, 6 female)
5 30 July 2019 Physical Benue 38 (30 male, 8 female)
6 22 August 2019 Physical Nasarawa 42 (32 male, 10 female)
7 29 August 2019 Physical Benue 38 (22 male, 16 female)
8 19th September, 2019 Physical Nasarawa 34 (25male, 9female)
9 26th September, 2019 Physical Benue 43 (25male, 8female)
10 24th October, 2019 Physical Nasarawa 34 ( 27 male, 7 female)
11 31st October, 2019 Physical Benue 85 ( 54male, 31female)
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12 21st November, 2019 Physical Benue 40 (24male, 16female)
13 27th November, 2019 Physical Nasarawa 37( 28male, 9female)
14 16th January 2020 Physical Nasarawa 41 (Male-31, Female-10)
15 23rd January 2020 Physical Benue 41 (Male-26, Female-15)
16 20th February 2020 Physical Benue 35 (Male-24, Female-11)
17 26th February 2020 Physical Nasarawa 43 ( Male-28, Female-15)
18 12th March 2020 Physical Benue 41 (Male-26, Female-15)
19 19th May 2020 Virtual Nasarawa 27 (Male-19, Female-8)
20 2nd June 2020 Virtual Benue 31 (19 male, 12 female)
21 9th June 2020 Virtual Nasarawa 40 (28 male, 12 female)
22 15th June 2020 Physical Benue 37 (28 male, 9 female)
23 22nd June 2020 Physical Benue 33 (22 male, 11 female)
24 18th June 2020 Physical Benue 32 (22 male, 10 female)
25 24th June 2020 Physical Benue 34 (21 male, 13 female)
26 25th June 2020 Physical Benue 30 (20 male, 10 female)
27 27th June 2020 Physical Benue 30 (20 male, 10 female)
28 13th July 2020 Physical Benue 38 (22 male, 16 female)
29 16th July 2020 Physical Nasarawa 39 (28 male, 11 female)
30 22nd July 2020 Physical Nasarawa 20 (0 male, 20 female)
31 23rd July 2020 Physical Benue 28 (0 male, 28 female)
32 10th August 2020 Physical Nasarawa 40 (27 males, 13 female)
33 13th August 2020 Physical Benue 38 (25 male, 13 female)
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Total 1229 participants (811 male, 418 female)
Table 6: Conflict Sensitivity Training for Journalists Average Increase Date State Number of Participants in Knowledge16 1 27-29 November 2018 Nasarawa 34 (22 male, 12 female) 22% 2 3-5 April 2019 Plateau 32 (22 male, 10 female) 24% 3 21-23 May 2019 Benue 30 (21 male, 9 female) 25% 96 (65 male, 31 female)
Table 7: Conflict Sensitivity Media Round Tables Held in the Reporting Period
S/N Date State Number of Participants
1 12 April 2019 Nasarawa 37 (25 male, 12 female)
2 15 April 2019 Benue 33 (22 male, 11 female)
3 11 June 2019 Plateau 31 (21 male, 10 female)
4 4th June 2020 Plateau 23 (11 male, 12 female)
5 23rd June 2020 Benue 29 (17 male, 12 female)
6 25th June 2020 Nasarawa 39 (27 male, 12 female)
Total 192 ( Male-123, Female-69)
Annex E: Conflict Sensitivity Media Roundtable Communiques
A COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE DAY WORKSHOP ON CONFLICT SENSITIVITY REPORTING TRAINING FOR JOURNALIST IN PLATEAU STATE - “TRANSFORMING THE FARMER-HERDER CONFLICT AND PROMOTING FREEDOM OF RELIGIONS AND BELIEF IN NIGERIA’S MIDDLE BELT” ORGANIZED BY SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND WITH SUPPORT FROM THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS HELD AT CRISPAN HOTEL, RAYFIELD 3-5 APRIL, 2019.
OVERVIEW In order to promote and sustain the relative peace being enjoyed in Plateau State, a three-day workshop on “Transforming the Farmer-Herder Conflict and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Belief in Nigeria’s Middle Belt was organized by Search for Common Ground for Journalist on Conflict Sensitivity Reporting.
ISSUES RAISED
16 This is calculated based on the change in scores for pre- and post-tests administered during the trainings.
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- Perception of both groups involved (Farmer-Herder) - Revamping the relationship between Farmer-Herder - Policy dimension to the Farmer-Herder conflict - Role of the media in reporting the Farmer-Herder conflict
OUR RECOMMENDATION 1. Journalist should choose words that des-escalates tension when reporting farmer-herder conflicts 10. While reporting conflict issues, Journalist should get the views of all parties involved. 11. In reporting Farmer-Herder conflict, emphasis should NOT be placed on casualty figures. 12. In reporting Farmer-Herder conflict, Journalists should avoid featuring gory images so as not to escalated tension except when necessary. 13. Journalists should take into cognizance the fundamental human rights of citizens (those involved in the conflict) while reporting because the constant and flagrant violation of human rights has continued to trigger humanitarian crisis across the middle belt. 14. Journalist should also look out for early warning signs and report them to relevant authorities 15. Journalists should be pace facilitators. This means that newsmen should endeavor to make peace between the warring factions rather than being eager to break news. 16. Journalist should work in synergy with security agencies especially in giving out casualty figures. 17. Journalist should write articles that will influence the National Assembly to make laws that will regulate the activities of bloggers and other social media users. 18. Journalist are encouraged to do knowledge based reporting which in turn initiate dialogue between Farmer- Herders that will foster mutual trust and good communication. 19. Journalists are to be conflict sensitive in their reportage.
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A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE DAY CONFLICT SENSITIVITY JOURNALIST TRAINING FOR JOURNALIST IN BENUE STATE, HELD ON THE 21ST – 23RD MAY, 2019 AT HALLYDAYS RESORT AND HOTEL, MARKUDI-BENUE STATE.
Having undergone a three (3) day intensive training on conflict sensitive reportage, participants at the workshop comprising journalist, state Government representatives from National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission as well as security agencies arrived at the following observations; · The fact is Nigeria is currently besieged by conflicts many resulting to violence. · That most of the conflicts are concentrated around and within the North-East, Middle-Belt and Niger- Delta states. · The security agencies are overstretched by the security challenges in the country. · That government, the conflicting parties, security officials and others with the responsibility of conflict resolution have not effectively collaborated with one another as to arrive at a sustainable solution to the conflict. · That the objectives of Search for Common Ground, the NGO that organized the training include sensitizing journalists as the fourth estate of the realm to become more aware of the need to support efforts at relations between conflicting parties, especially farmers and herders to influence a perspectives shift of the parties for peaceful resolution of the conflict while promoting freedom of religions and beliefs.
Following these observations and enlightenment participants therefore resolved thus; 1. That with the training, journalists shall be more balanced and objective in their coverage of the farmer- herder conflict by giving all parties a fair hearing. 2. Nigerian Union of Journalists should push for a comprehensive legislation on press freedom which shall include security of journalists and their welfare in the course of carrying out their duties. 3. That journalists are victims of the conflict directly or indirectly and are traumatized thus there is a need for social, psychological support to help journalists cope and that builds bridges for common grounds. 4. That the people within the affected areas see the federal and state governments as seemingly not doing much to address these conflicts, especially the Middle Belt region occasioned by crisis between famers/herder. Therefore the State government should establish pilot cattle ranch that could be put up for rent by interested prospective cattle rearers and herders. The pilot ranch could also serve as a source of revenue generation for the state. 5. Poor governance and structural imbalances are responsible for the insecurity situation in Benue and other parts of the country, therefore, the Federal government should establish a due framework for post- conflict in the Middle Belt to rehabilitate, rebuild and resettle victims of farmer/herder conflict. This development framework should include the establishment of a North Central Development Commission (NCDC). 6. Investors who are interested in investing should be encouraged to develop ranches in the state. 7. Media practitioners should be encouraged to develop programs that build peace, healing and reconciliation among various groups in the state. 8. Journalists should step down the training received on conflict sensitive reporting to their immediate constituents for maximum impact. 9. Participants commended the security agencies for their commitment and sacrifice and called on the federal government to adequately equip security agents to maintain peace and enhance their welfare to enable them do so appropriately. 10. That the Federal government should establish a Post-Conflict management in the Middle Belt to rehabilitate, rebuild and resettle victims of the farmer-herder conflict. This development framework should include the establishment of a north-Central development Commission. Participants called for the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address the impacts of farmer/herder conflict and post-conflict reconstruction of the affected communities. The government at various levels should develop a comprehensive policy framework and legislation for post conflict reconstruction and peace building.
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ANNEX F: Communique of Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogues
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A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE VIRTUAL TWO-DAY MIDDLE BELT REGIONAL PEACE ARCHITECTURE DIALOGUE (RPAD) MEETING HELD FROM MONDAY 29TH TO TUESDAY 30TH JUNE 2020 VIA GOOGLE MEET
“Transforming Farmer and Herders Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Beliefs in Nigeria’s Middle Belt” is a 24 months project implemented by Search for Common Ground (Search) in Nigeria with funding support from the Kingdom of Netherlands from September 2018 to August 2020. Search has supported the convening and engagements of the State Peace Architecture Dialogues in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States and the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue with stakeholders across the three Project States.
The Second Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue was convened virtually via google meet due to restrictions of interstate travel as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic on the 29th and 30th June 2020. Search for Common Ground convened the virtual Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue with delegates from the State level Peace Architecture Dialogue of Benue and Nasarawa States, Plateau Peace Building Agency and other Stakeholders from Plateau State. Stakeholders at the dialogue included Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Security Agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), MACBAN, AFAN, JNI, CAN amongst others.
The Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue featured a key technical presentation by the Executive Director of CORAFID Centre for Innovation and Research, on the roles of the Peace Architecture Dialogue at State and Regional Levels. Several interactive sessions to discuss the challenges of the PADs, opportunities for preventing and mitigating the challenges, and reaching a consensus for interventions at the regional level amongst Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States.
After robust deliberations on the roles of the Peace Architecture Dialogue at State and Regional Level in transforming farmers and herder’s conflicts, the participants observed the following issues as shared concerns across the States and Region:
1. It was observed that as a result of the effects of climate change, population increase and change in lifestyle of herders, there has been inadequate feed for livestock hence the conflicts between farmers and herders for available farmland 2. Stakeholders observed that there has been inadequate education on human rights for citizens at all levels leading to infringement on the rights of farmers and herders hence the escalation of farmer and herders conflicts 3. Stakeholders observed the inadequate sensitization on the impact of drug abuse and inadequate trauma centers for rehabilitation of victims of farmers and herder conflicts who usually are suffering from psychological issues thus making it difficult for the parties to forgive each other and let go of existing grievances. 4. Stakeholders observed that farmer and herder conflicts has assumed a new dimension of ethnicity and religion hence the recurring incidents of reprisal attacks between the various groups 5. Herders across Nigeria and West Africa has contended that they are being rejected in the land where they consider as their own and a free resource for all 6. National policies in Nigeria has overtime generated conflict and popular rejection by citizens groups due to inadequate awareness and sensitization on intent of the laws 7. Development interventions has also contributed largely to the reduction in available land for grazing hence farmers were no longer as accommodative as they used to be 8. There exists an inconsistent documentation system of migrants particularly at rural areas especially where security agencies do not have sufficient presence hence posing a risk to the citizens generally 9. Stakeholders noted that there is the influx of Herders from neighboring states which has contributed to incessant incidents of farmers and herders attacks and conflicts 10. Stakeholders observed that relevant Government Agencies has not lived up to its responsibilities in performing its duties with regards to implementation of existing laws put in place to prevent and mitigate farmer and herder conflicts 11. Stakeholders also observed that whenever there are attacks, perpetrators are being generalized to be armed Herdsmen whereas there are criminals amongst both Herders and Farmers. 12. It was also observed that UN Agencies particularly UNDP has begun the process of engaging a legal drafter for developing the bills for establishing the State Peace Agencies in Benue and Nasarawa States. Thus creating windows for collaboration with the State PADs.
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13. Stakeholders observed that there is the huge gap on utilization of information technology that can allow for effective and efficient early warning and early response system in managing farmer and herders conflict 14. Stakeholders also observed that dialogues has been more effective in managing farmer and herder conflicts than enactment of laws which usually are perceived negatively in terms of purpose and intent
And thus came up with these recommendations:
1. There should be multi-stakeholder and multi-sectorial approach that involves Government, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, Ethno-cultural Organizations, Women and Youths Leaders from all conflicting groups in leading peacebuilding interventions and processes at community, LGA, State, Regional and National Levels
2. There should be increased collaboration between Leaders of Farmers and Herders towards joint identification of criminal gangs who perpetrate violence amongst both groups and facilitate their arrests by Security Agencies.
3. There should be integration of dialogue and mediation mechanisms for effective transformation of farmer and herder conflicts as well as sensitization for compliance with existing laws for preventing and mitigating farmer and herders conflicts in the States and the Region
4. There should be robust sensitization for addressing farmer and herder conflicts at all stages of enactment of laws for the inputs of the relevant stakeholders before it is passed into law for implementation
5. There should be more collaborative efforts in the translation and sensitization of existing laws to increase understanding among citizens in order to mitigate and prevent farmer and herder conflicts across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States
6. Community level mechanisms comprising farmer and herder committees should be formed to address conflicts and to have in place an effective mechanism for early warning and early response
7. The State Peace Architecture Dialogue should collaborate with the relevant State Boundary Commissions towards influencing decisions and policies around the boundary issues
8. The State Peace Architecture Dialogues in Nasarawa and Benue should collaborate UN Agencies such as the UNDP and other organisations who are currently working on the enactment of the State Peace Commission laws towards harnessing joint efforts for better results
9. The State Peace Architecture Dialogues should collaborate with other organisations working on implementation of existing state laws towards contributing to resolving farmer and herder conflicts beyond the LGAs that Search is currently working on in the States
10. The Executives of the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue should give required leadership in collaboration with Search towards setting up of State structures for the sustainability of the PAD and developing an exit strategy that would be sustained beyond search’s project funding.
11. The Middle Belt Regional Executive should lead Regional Level initiatives particularly towards supporting interstate collaboration on efforts aimed at resolving farmer and herder conflicts.
12. The Regional Committee should coordinate the State Peace Architecture Dialogue towards the implementation of the advocacy visits to the Governors of Benue and Nasarawa State and the States House of Assembly.
13. The Regional Committee should work with the media fellows in the three (3) States to create awareness on existing laws and develop measures to de-escalate violent conflict between herders and farmers communities wherever they occur, using print, visual and audio-visual media accordingly.
14. The Regional Committee and State PADs should collaborate with the Ministry of Information and media fellows in the States to raise awareness on opportunities available for addressing sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) and as well advocate for the strengthening of humanitarian response to address SGBV in the affected states.
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15. The Regional, State Peace Architecture Dialogue and Search should plan and observe and mark the Annual Global peace day on 21st September, 2020 with specific activities which will be implemented at the various state levels and jointly at the regional levels.
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE TWO-DAY MIDDLE BELT REGIONAL PEACE ARCHITECTURE DIALOGUE (RPAD) MEETING HELD FROM TUESDAY –WEDNESDAY 4TH – 5TH AUGUST 2020 AT TA’AL CONFERENCE HOTEL LAFIA NASARAWA STATE.
“Transforming Farmer and Herders Conflicts and Promoting Freedom of Religions and Beliefs in Nigeria’s Middle Belt” is a 24 months project implemented by Search for Common Ground (Search) in Nigeria with funding support from the Kingdom of Netherlands from September 2018 to August 2020. Search has supported the convening and engagements of the State Peace Architecture Dialogues in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States and the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue with stakeholders across the three Project States.
The third Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue convened by Search for Common Ground held at Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia, Nasarawa State on the 4th to 5th of August, 2020. Search for Common Ground convened the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue with delegates from the State level Peace Architecture Dialogue of Benue and Nasarawa States, Plateau Peace Building Agency and other Stakeholders from Plateau State. Stakeholders at the dialogue included Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Security Agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), MACBAN, AFAN, JNI, CAN amongst others.
The Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue featured a key technical presentation by the Executive Director of CORAFID Centre for Innovation and Research, emerging trends of the farmers and herders Conflict in the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria, to improve understanding of the PAD and CSAD models for managing farmer and herder conflicts and the Code of Conduct for Traditional Rulers by Benue PAD Legal Advisor, Several interactive sessions to understand the current conflict dynamics across the States and progress of peace building initiatives in the States, discuss the challenges of the PADs, opportunities for preventing and mitigating the challenges, and reaching a consensus for interventions at the regional level amongst Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States and agreement on strategies for sustaining the State and Regional PAD .
After robust deliberations on the roles of the Peace Architecture Dialogue at State and Regional Level in transforming farmers and herder’s conflicts, the participants observed the following issues as shared concerns across the States and Region:
1. Observation that as a result struggle for access to natural resources due to continued climate change, migration, population increase and change in lifestyle of herders like desire to live urban areas is a continuous trigger to the conflict. 2. Stakeholders observed that there is inadequate political will and the right stakeholders involvement is a key issue militating against peacebuilding leading to infringement, mistrust and escalation of farmer and herders conflicts within the middle belt region. 3. Stakeholders observed there is inadequate sensitization on the roles and code of conduct for traditional rulers. 4. Stakeholders observed that farmer and herder conflicts has assumed a new dimension of ethnicity and religion hence the recurring incidents of reprisal attacks between the various groups. 5. There is a perception that Herders across the middle belt region of Nigeria has contended that they are being rejected in the land where they consider as their own and a free resource for all while farmers are alleging that their land is being grapped and occupied forcefully by herders. 6. National policies such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) in Nigeria has overtime generated conflict and popular rejection by citizens due to inadequate consultation, awareness and sensitization on intent of the laws and policies. 7. Development policies (such as housing policy), activities of land grabbers, population explosion and mining activities in some states have also contributed largely to the reduction in available land for grazing and farming thereby creating tension between herders and farmers. 8. There exists an inconsistent documentation system of migrants particularly at rural areas especially where security agencies do not have sufficient presence hence posing a risk to the citizens generally. 9. Stakeholders note that there is the influx of Herders from neighbouring states which has contributed to incessant incidents of farmers and herders clashes.
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10. Stakeholders observed that relevant Government Agencies has not lived up to its responsibilities in performing its duties with regards to implementation of existing laws put in place to prevent and mitigate farmer and herder conflicts. 11. Stakeholders also observed that whenever there are attacks, perpetrators are being generalized to be armed Herdsmen whereas there are criminals amongst Herders and Farmers. 12. It was also observed that UN Agencies have begun the process of engaging a legal drafter for developing the bills for establishing the State Peace Commission in Benue and Nasarawa States. Thus creating windows for collaboration with the State PADs. 13. Stakeholders observed that there is conspiracy of silence among herders/farmers over some conflict and key information on early warning and early responses system within the middle belt region. 14. Stakeholders also observed that there is inadequate reportage of conflict within the middle belt. 15. States Stakeholders also observed that dialogues have been more effective in managing farmer and herder conflicts.
And thus came up with these recommendations:
1. There should be multi-stakeholder and multi-sectorial approach that involves Government, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organisations, Ethno-cultural Organizations, Women and Youths Leaders from all conflicting groups in leading peacebuilding interventions and processes at community, LGA, State, Regional and National Levels with Government in the driver’s seat. 2. There should be increased collaboration between Leaders of Farmers and Herders towards joint identification of criminal gangs who perpetrate violence amongst both groups and facilitate their arrests by Security Agencies. 3. There should be integration of dialogue and mediation mechanisms for effective transformation of farmer and herder conflicts as well as sensitization of traditional rulers on compliance with existing laws for preventing and mitigating farmer and herders conflicts in the States and the Region. 4. There should be robust relevant stakeholders engagement on issues, policies and existing laws addressing conflicts at all stages before passing into law the law establishing the peace Commission in Nasarawa and Benue State. 5. There should be more collaborative efforts in the translation and sensitization of existing laws to increase understanding among citizens in order to mitigate and prevent farmer and herder conflicts across Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States. 6. Community level mechanisms comprising farmer and herder committees should be formed to address conflicts and to have in place an effective mechanism for early warning and early response. 7. The State Peace Architecture Dialogue should collaborate with the relevant State Boundary Commissions towards influencing decisions and policies around the boundary issues within Benue and Nasarawa States 8. The State Peace Architecture Dialogues should collaborate with other organisations working on implementation of existing state laws towards contributing to resolving farmer and herder conflicts beyond the LGAs that Search is currently working on in the States. 9. The Executives of the Middle Belt Regional Peace Architecture Dialogue should give required leadership in collaboration with Search towards setting up of State structures for the sustainability of the PAD and developing an exit strategy that would be sustained beyond search’s project funding. 10. The Middle Belt Regional Executive should lead Regional Level initiatives particularly towards supporting interstate collaboration on efforts aimed at resolving farmer and herder conflicts. 11. The Regional Committee should be sustained for further advocacy engagement and peace activities within the Middle belt region. 12. The Regional Committee should sustain partnerships with the media fellows in the three (3) States to continue awareness on existing laws and development of measures to de-escalate violent conflict between herders and farmers communities wherever they occur, using print, visual and audio-visual media accordingly. 13. The issue of criminalities should be well defined from farmer herder conflict within the Region. 14. The Regional, State Peace Architecture Dialogue and Search should plan and observe and mark the Annual Global peace day on 21st September, 2020 with specific activities which will be implemented at the various state levels and jointly at the regional levels.
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