AFAN to FG: Create National Committee to curb farmer–herder clashes
By Udeme Akpan and Marther Godwin
The President of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Magaji, has urged the Federal Government to form a national committee aimed at preventing conflicts that affect agricultural productivity. Insecurity, particularly in the North-West and North-East regions, has been identified as a key factor discouraging farmers from accessing their lands.
Magaji made his remarks during a panel session at Vanguard’s Economic Discourse in Lagos last week. He emphasized the urgent need for measures that enhance the safety of farmers and foster confidence within the agricultural sector.
He proposed that the national committee focus on preemptively addressing farmer-herder clashes rather than solely reacting to them after they occur. Several state commissioners have expressed support for this initiative, suggesting the committee comprise experts in security, academia, and other relevant fields.
“If there is insecurity, our members do not go to the farm at all. That is exactly what is happening in most states, especially in the North-West and North-East,” Magaji stated, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers.
He cited the example of farmers in Kaduna State, who once produced up to 100,000 bags of maize but are now unable to access their fields due to ongoing security threats.
Magaji pointed to the dual issues of farmer-herder conflicts and the rise of banditry, particularly activities linked to Boko Haram, as serious impediments to farming in various communities. He referenced Gombe State, noting that a shift from conflict resolution to prevention effectively reduced clashes between farmers and herders.
“We suggest that the Federal Government should constitute a committee at the national level—not just a conflict resolution committee, but a conflict prevention committee,” he said, reiterating the importance of proactive measures based on successful models from past experiences in Gombe.
Despite these measures, Magaji warned that banditry and the Boko Haram crisis continue to drastically impact farming, especially in regions like Borno State, where agricultural activities have nearly ceased in 78 to 80 percent of local government areas.
He stressed the necessity for the government to intensify efforts in combating insecurity. “If more is done, I believe our farmers will return to their farms and significantly increase production,” he concluded.
