The President of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation (ADWF), Alhaji Asiwaju Dapo Wahab has recommended open and honest communication between farmers and herders with the sole aim of building trust and understanding as one of the panaceas to the age long conflict between the duo.
Delivering a lecture today, on "Pathways To Peace Building Trust And Understanding Between Farmers And Herders" at the Farmers-Helders Peace Summit, organised by the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abeokuta North Local Government Division, Asiwaju Wahab surmised that the age-long conflict between farmers and herders had been a major source of concern in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa.
He noted that this conflict has led to loss of lives, destruction of properties, and displacement of people and therefore posited that "finding pathways to peace and building trust and understanding between farmers and herders is crucial for promoting peaceful coexistence and sustainable development".
Asiwaju Wahab noted that the conflict is often attributed to competition for land and resources but it is also fueled by other factors such as cultural and ethnic differences, poor communication, and lack of trust.
He pointed out that to address the conflict, it is essential to understand the root causes and develop strategies that promote trust, understanding, and peaceful coexistence as the conflict is complex and multifaceted.
According to the President of ADWF, some of the key factors contributing to the conflict include:
1. Competition for land and resources,
2. Cultural and ethnic differences
3. Poor communication between farmers and herders can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
4. Lack of trust as 'Trust' is essential for building peaceful relationships. However, the lack of trust between farmers and herders can make it difficult to resolve conflicts.
Asiwaju Wahab therefore insisted that to build trust and understanding between farmers and herders, several pathways to peace can be explored.
Some of these pathways, according to him, include:
1. Dialogue and mediation
2. Community-based initiatives
3. Education and awareness
4. Economic empowerment and
5. Policy and legislative reforms.
Asiwaju Wahab also noted that "building trust and understanding between farmers and herders requires effort and commitment from all parties involved".
He suggested some strategies for building trust and understanding and these include:
1. Active listening: Listening to each other's concerns and perspectives can help to build trust and understanding.
2. Empathy and compassion: Showing empathy and compassion towards each other can help to build trust and understanding.
3. Respect and tolerance: Respecting each other's culture, traditions, and practices can help to build trust and understanding.
4. Open communication: Encouraging open and honest communication can help to build trust and understanding and
5. Collaboration and cooperation: Collaborating and cooperating on projects and initiatives can help to build trust and understanding.
Among the personalities at the Peace Summit are AC Bankole Abiodun, the NSCDC Area Commander, Ogun Central Area 2, CSC Bamidele Adeola,
Divisional Officer, Abeokuta North Division, Chief Idris Ademika Adeniji, the Baale of Mawuko, Chief Lamidi Ibrahim Olatunji, the Baale of Asubiaro, and CSP Ademola Ijehin, the DPO of Bode Olude
Also present at the event are the representatives of the DSS, Amotekun Security Network, chieftains of Farmers Associations and Heads Of Fulani Herders.
Others are the Seriki Fulanis, Chief Umar, the Seriki Hausa Community and members of the Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation (ADWF).
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