The Gombe State L-PRES Project seeks to collaborate with Funakaye and other Local Government Areas bordering the Wawa Zange Grazing Reserve to promote lasting peace between farmers, herders, and local communities, fostering sustainable livestock production and economic growth.

 

The Project Coordinator Professor Usman Bello dropped the hint in Bajoga, the headquarters of Funakaye Local Government Area .

Professor Abubakar, announced this as he led the project team on a visit to Funakaye Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdulrahman Adam.

He expressed concern over the recurring conflicts in the area and their negative impact on food security in the state and the country.

 

He emphasized the need for dialogue, collaboration, and identifying the root causes of these conflicts to develop effective solutions.

Professor Abubakar highlighted that the Wawa Zange Grazing Reserve is a strategic asset for the state’s economy, explaining that the strategic position of the reserve and its economic potential offer significant opportunities for investment and partnership, leading to job creation and overall economic development.

“Recognising the importance of this reserve that His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya prioritizes the development”, he noted.

 

He commended the governor’s bold move to address the long-standing farmer-herder conflicts by reviving grazing and forest reserves as well as cattle routes in the state.

 

Responding, the Executive Chairman of Funakaye Local Government, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdulrahman Adamu, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Sa’idu Abubakar, commended the L-PRES Project for its efforts to develop the livestock production sector and the entire value chain.

He mentioned that the local government had already initiated contact with neighboring local governments and met with MACBAN leadership to address the challenges facing the livestock sector.

The Departmental Security Officer, Mallam Ibrahim Lamido, acknowledged the efforts made but lamented the ongoing conflicts. He attributed these problems to inappropriate land use practices involving community leaders, local government officials and other relevant stakeholders.

 

The meeting agreed on the need for broader consultation and engagement among stakeholders, including farmers, herders, community leaders, local government representatives, and security agencies, to discuss challenges and find solutions.

 

A platform for wider consultation and engagement of stakeholders will be organized to address these issues and promote lasting peace in the Wawa Zange Grazing Reserve and its environs.