In a significant step toward rebuilding trust and fostering peaceful coexistence, farmers and herders in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State gathered for a Joint Dialogue and Reconciliation Session aimed at addressing the longstanding tensions between the two communities.
The meeting, held on March 10, 2026, at Crispan Hotel, brought together representatives of farmers and herders, alongside traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and local government officials. The dialogue created a rare opportunity for both sides to openly discuss their grievances and explore solutions that would help prevent future conflicts.
The initiative was convened by Global Peace Development in collaboration with ActionAid, Tetra Tech International Development, Search for Common Ground, and the SPRING Programme. The effort forms part of the Promoting Agro-Pastoralism Reconciliation and Resilience for Sustainable Livelihood and Peace (PARSLP) project supported by UK International Development.
For years, clashes between farmers and herders have disrupted lives and livelihoods across communities in Riyom. Participants at the dialogue acknowledged that the conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of farmlands and property, displacement of families, and growing mistrust among communities.
Rather than allowing these tensions to persist, the dialogue provided a platform for both sides to reflect on the root causes of the conflict and collectively agree on practical ways forward.
During the session, participants identified several issues that have contributed to recurring disputes between farmers and herders. These included the encroachment of cattle routes by farmers, destruction of crops by cattle, night grazing, child grazing, and the lack of sufficient water points and resting areas for livestock.
Other concerns raised included land grabbing, lack of grazing reserves, insufficient forest guards to monitor remote areas, disrespect toward traditional institutions, and cases of displacement affecting both farmers and herders.
Participants noted that while these issues do not occur uniformly in every community, they remain significant triggers for conflict and require collective action to address.
Beyond discussions, the meeting produced a Peace Pact outlining practical steps both communities agreed to follow in order to prevent future clashes.
Farmers pledged to respect designated grazing routes and avoid blocking cattle paths, while herders committed to preventing night grazing, child grazing, and the destruction of cultivated farmlands. Herders also agreed to take responsibility for damages caused by their livestock.
Both parties further agreed to report disputes early to traditional leaders, community peace committees, or security agencies rather than resorting to retaliation.
Participants also committed to strengthening existing community conflict-resolution structures and holding regular meetings at ward and community levels. These gatherings will serve as early warning and response platforms to address disputes before they escalate into violence.
Another important commitment was the rejection of rumors and misinformation that often inflame tensions. Instead, farmers and herders pledged to encourage open communication and transparency within their communities.
The dialogue included breakout sessions where participants had the opportunity to engage in smaller group discussions. These sessions allowed farmers and herders to share personal experiences, ask questions, and better understand the perspectives of one another.
For many participants, these conversations helped shift the focus from blame to cooperation.
By the end of the meeting, representatives of both groups signed a preliminary Peace Pact, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence in Riyom Local Government Area.
They pledged to act as ambassadors of peace within their communities and to uphold the spirit of the agreement for the benefit of present and future generations.
While challenges remain, the dialogue marks an important step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening cooperation among communities in Plateau State. For many who attended, it also offered a reminder that sustainable peace begins with honest conversations and a shared willingness to move forward together.
