LifeMile Project: How Southern Kaduna Communities Achieved Peace Through Dialogue, Inclusive Participation

The relationship between farmers and herders in Southern Kaduna has improved and conflicts reduced, following the successful implementation of the LifeMile Project peace programme.

The project was implemented by Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) with support from TETRATEC under the SPRiNG programme.

Mr. Joseph Gyande, Executive Director of CRUDAN at the close of the  Project on Sunday in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna, commended all stakeholders for their support and cooperation.

Gyande said that the project which covered Kpuyai, Chenchuk and Mifi Attakar communities in Zango Kataf and Kaura LGAs, focused on strengthening resilience, improving farm security, and promoting peaceful coexistence through dialogue, inclusive participation, and eco-friendly live fencing methods.

In his remarks, Mr. Michael Agon, the Project Coordinator said the initiative had significantly strengthened trust and cooperation among farmers and herders in the benefiting communities.

Agon explained that the project adopted a holistic approach to peace building, combining practical agricultural solutions with dialogue-driven conflict resolution and peace building approaches.

“We focused not just on preventing crop destruction, but on empowering communities to manage resources collaboratively, understand each other’s perspectives, and take ownership of solutions,” he said.

Mr Hosea Daniel, who represented the Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government, commended the initiative for promoting dialogue and collaboration among previously divided groups.

Daniel said the project had contributed significantly to improved social cohesion and reduction of conflicts in the area.

In his remarks, Agwam Bajju, Mr Luka Yabwat, described the project as a timely intervention that had restored mutual understanding between farmers and herders.

“This initiative has reduced tension in our communities and strengthened unity among our people,” he said.

A farmer in the Kpuyai community, Mr Yohanna Danladi, said the live fencing method had helped protect his crops from destruction.

“Before now, we recorded frequent losses due to grazing cattle, but with this method, our farms are safer and our yields have improved,” he said.

Similarly, a herder from Chenchuk community, Malam Musa Abdullahi, said the project had helped build better communication between herders and farmers.

“We now sit together to discuss issues and find solutions without conflict as this project has brought peace to our community,” he said.

A youth participant from Mifi Attakar, Miss Grace Luka, said the initiative had empowered young people to serve as agents of peace.

“We were trained to promote dialogue and resolve conflicts. Now, we are actively contributing to peace in our communities,” she said.

Some stakeholders who also spoke expressed appreciation to all partners and contributors, noting that the LifeMile Project not only achieved its objectives but also laid a solid foundation for future interventions.

They emphasised the need to sustain the momentum generated by the project to ensure lasting peace and development in the communities.(NAN)