AFAN urges FG to set up national panel on farmer–herder conflicts

The President of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Magaji, has asked the Federal Government to create a national committee to tackle farmer–herder clashes, as insecurity continues to affect farming activities across the country.

He said insecurity, especially in the North-West and North-East, is stopping many farmers from going to their farms, leading to lower food production. Magaji spoke during a panel session at an economic forum in Lagos, where he called for stronger security measures to protect farmers.

Magaji explained that the proposed committee should focus on preventing conflicts before they happen, instead of only resolving them afterward. He added that some state commissioners have supported the idea of a national committee made up of experts, security officials, and other stakeholders.

He said many farmers have abandoned their farms due to fear of attacks. According to him, some farmers in Kaduna State who previously produced large quantities of maize can no longer farm because of insecurity.

Magaji noted that beyond farmer–herder clashes, banditry and insurgency linked to Boko Haram have made farming difficult in many areas. He said in Borno State, farming has stopped in most local government areas due to ongoing violence.

He pointed to Gombe State as an example where focusing on conflict prevention helped reduce clashes between farmers and herders. He urged the Federal Government to adopt a similar approach at the national level.

Magaji also called for stronger action against banditry and insurgency, saying improved security would encourage farmers to return to their fields and boost food production.