Doninga: As part of efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflicts and tackle violent extremism in Doninga and Kanjarga communities in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region, a joint dialogue has been held for farmers and herders at Doninga. The dialogue, organised by the Community Peace Committees (CPCs) established by the Peace Council, provided a platform for peer learning, consensus building, and experience sharing on conflict prevention strategies between farmers and Fulbe herders.
According to Ghana News Agency, this initiative is part of the implementation of action plans of the CPCs under the activity dubbed 'Community Dialogues to Strengthen Indigenes and Fulbe Relations and Establish Community Peace Committees (CPCs).' The activity falls under the Atlantic Corridor Project, which is being implemented by the Upper East Regional Peace Council with funding from the governments of Norway, Australia, and Denmark through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Mr Mathias Akanbong, Secretary of the Doninga CPC, noted that while conflicts between farmers and herders had been a long-standing issue, the 2024 farming season recorded minimal disputes following their training and interventions. He stated that the programme was an opportunity for the CPCs to introduce themselves and highlight their conflict prevention efforts over the past year to garner community support to avert recurrence of conflicts.
Mr Robert Ayarik, Secretary of the Kanjarga CPC, indicated that some Fulbe herders had adhered to advice against land grazing, which had resulted in reduced tensions. He noted that some farmers continue to exploit herders over minor grazing incidents. He acknowledged concerns regarding the Fulbe community's welcoming of new herders without informing the larger community and the persistence of night grazing despite previous agreements, emphasizing that the dialogue aims to address these issues.
Mr David Angaamba, Principal Programmes Manager at the Upper East Regional Peace Council, commended the CPCs for their efforts and urged the community to support them. He encouraged residents to report early warning signs of conflicts, assuring them that the Peace Council was available to provide any necessary technical assistance. He cautioned against the blanket labeling of crimes on the Fulbe community, warning that such stigmatization could lead to resentment and make them vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.
Nab Abrayenkaboa Ayuwie, Chief of Naverinsa community, speaking on behalf of other divisional chiefs of Doninga, reaffirmed the traditional council's commitment to working with all stakeholders to maintain peace. He urged the Fulbe to consider themselves part of the community and contribute to ensuring stability.
