SPCB HOSTS PEACEBUILDING PROGRAM FOR FARMERS AND FULANI HERDERS IN RUGA COMMUNITY

“Healing the Community through Peace and Security”

Ruga Settlement, Nigeria | July 19, 2025

Building Bridges in a Time of Need

On July 19, 2025, the Society for Peace and Capacity Building (SPCB) conducted a grassroots sensitization, education, and training program in the Ruga settlement area, aimed at resolving conflicts between farmers and Fulani herders, promoting environmental stewardship, and strengthening community unity.

Themed “Healing the Community through Peace and Security,” the program brought together community leaders, herders, farmers, women’s representatives, youth, religious leaders, and traditional authorities, united by a common goal: peaceful coexistence.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Session

The program began with heartfelt opening remarks by Alhaji Muhammad Jabbo, Director of Administration, who acknowledged the importance of addressing long-standing land use challenges and praised the recent establishment of the National Livestock Ministry, which aims to promote equity and peaceful solutions.

Community Dialogue

An interactive session led by the SPCB Executive Director engaged participants in identifying root causes of conflict. Community voices highlighted issues such as:
Scarcity of grazing land and water

• Poor communication
• Climate-related resource pressure

“Lack of patience,” noted one participant.

“Tribalism,” said another – reflecting the complexity of local dynamics.

Educational Training

Mr. Muhammad, a speaker with SPCB, led an educational session on practical solutions for peaceful coexistence. He introduced the use of:

• Napier Grass – a drought-resistant, protein-rich feed for livestock
• Groundnut Shells – an affordable, sustainable cattle feed alternativeThese innovations promote food security, reduce land pressure, and foster mutual benefit between farmers and herders.

Community Voices

The Chairman of Miyetti Allah (AMAC Chapter), Adamu Rabo, expressed support for SPCB’s initiative and emphasized the need for more land and recognition of herders’ concerns.

Pastor Ahmed Musa, a local farmer, shared his pain:

“I had to suspend farming because of destruction and theft. We just want peace.”

Both expressed optimism that this program marks a turning point.

Closing Messages of Hope

The program concluded with powerful remarks from the Woman Leader, who emphasized the role of mothers in building peace at home and in the wider community. The Mai Angwa (community chief), Danladi Hussain, also spoke passionately, pledging to form local peace committees and work closely with SPCB to ensure sustainable dialogue.

“This is the first time people came not to blame, but to help,” he noted. “We are ready to work with you.”

Photo Highlights

Community members actively listening to conflict resolution tips during the training.

SPCB trainers facilitating a session on conflict resolution, sustainable practices, and alternative livestock feed options.

Leaders from both communities join the SPCB team for a united photo of progress.

SPCB’s Ongoing Commitment

As part of our mission, SPCB will continue to:

• Provide capacity-building and reconciliation training
• Promote environmentally responsible farming and herding
• Support dialogue platforms and peace committee development
• Engage women and youth as key stakeholders in peacebuilding

Join Us

Do you want to support grassroots peace initiatives like this?

Contact us at info@spcb.org.ng or call 090-1769-6202

You can also support our work by making a donation or partnering with us.

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