Project Title: Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA)
Donor: Dutch Embassy through Tearfund
Implementer: RURCON
Reclaiming Peace: How Garba Sale’s Mediation Restored Harmony in Baiya Community, Gidan Waya, Kaduna State
Garba Sale, a farmer and the traditional leader (Mai Angwa) of Baiya community in Gidan Waya, Kaduna State, had been deeply troubled by the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders in his community. The discord arose from the increasing population and the resulting scarcity of farmland, which led farmers to encroach upon designated grazing routes, known locally as “Labi.” These routes were essential for herders to move their cattle safely. However, as farmland became scarce, farmers began planting crops along these routes, creating friction and escalating tension between the two groups.
Each encounter on the obstructed paths resulted in a confrontation, deepening the divide between farmers and herders. As the leader, Garba felt a growing sense of hopelessness, with every attempt at mediation proving futile. However, a turning point came with the introduction of the RURCON JISRA project, which aimed to promote peace and understanding within the community. Through their workshops, Garba learned valuable skills in dialogue and conflict resolution, which opened his eyes to the root causes of the conflict and how to address them effectively.
Inspired by the teachings of JISRA, Garba decided to approach his elder brother, who owned a considerable amount of land. They had a heartfelt discussion about the conflict and the urgent need for a solution. Understanding the importance of peace, his brother agreed to allocate a portion of his land to serve as the new grazing route, “Labi.”
This decision marked a monumental step towards resolving the conflict. Garba organized mediation meetings where both farmers and herders could discuss and negotiate the new arrangement. These sessions, facilitated with the skills and knowledge from JISRA, were crucial in fostering mutual understanding and respect.
Thanks to JISRA’s intervention, Garba and his community learned the power of dialogue and cooperation. They now hope to nurture this fragile peace, knowing that without harmony, there can be no progress for their community.