By; Edwin Gogu
The Executive Director of Aid for Socio – Economic and Rural Development (ASERD-GHANA), Mr. Benjamin Dimongso Kafari, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and local communities to promote sustainable peace between farmers and herders while advancing the inclusion of Fulbe communities in Ghana’s development agenda.
Mr. Kafari made the call while delivering an address as Guest of Honour at the North East Regional Conference of Tabital Pulaaku International, a Fulbe organization, held in Walewale on May 23, 2026.
Addressing traditional leaders, government officials, security personnel, Fulbe leaders, women and youth groups, as well as development practitioners, he stressed that farmer–herder peace remains a shared responsibility that requires collective commitment and practical action from all stakeholders.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Farmer–Herder Peace: A Collective Responsibility of All Stakeholders,” Mr. Kafari described the topic as timely and relevant, particularly in light of growing tensions between farming and pastoral communities across Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.
According to him, competition over land and water resources, climate change, environmental degradation, population growth, misinformation, and weak conflict management systems have contributed to increasing disputes between farmers and herders. He noted that while these challenges continue to threaten livelihoods and social cohesion, lasting peace can be achieved through dialogue, justice, inclusion, cooperation, and mutual respect.
He commended Tabital Pulaaku International for creating a platform that encourages constructive engagement among stakeholders and promotes peacebuilding efforts within Fulbe communities and beyond.
Mr. Kafari, who also serves as a consultant to the National Council of Fulbe Chiefs in Ghana, highlighted the important role Fulbe communities play in Ghana’s economy through livestock production, dairy farming, meat supply, trade, and rural livelihoods.
Despite these contributions, he expressed concern that many Fulbe communities continue to face social, economic, political, and security challenges. He identified stigmatization and negative stereotyping as some of the most pressing issues confronting the community.
“Criminal acts committed by a few individuals are often unfairly attributed to the entire Fulbe population, leading to discrimination, mistrust, exclusion, and social tensions,” he stated, emphasizing that many law-abiding Fulbe families have lived peacefully in Ghana for generations.
He therefore urged the media, educational institutions, religious organizations, opinion leaders, and civil society groups to promote responsible communication, intercultural dialogue, and peace education. He cautioned against inflammatory reporting and ethnic profiling, stressing that no ethnic group should be judged by the actions of a few individuals.
On farmer–herder conflicts, Mr. Kafari noted that disputes over grazing lands, water sources, and farmlands continue to fuel tensions in many communities. He advocated effective land-use planning, the creation of designated grazing corridors and watering points, and stronger local mediation structures involving chiefs, farmers, herders, women, and youth.
He also called for the establishment of early warning and conflict resolution mechanisms as well as transparent compensation systems to address losses suffered by both farmers and livestock owners.
The ASERD-GHANA Executive Director further raised concerns about the limited access to documentation and essential public services among some Fulbe communities. According to him, difficulties in obtaining national identification cards, birth certificates, and other legal documents often prevent community members from accessing education, healthcare, and other social services.
He urged relevant state institutions to intensify mobile registration exercises and civic education campaigns aimed at improving inclusion and equal access to opportunities.
Mr. Kafari underscored the importance of education in promoting social integration, empowerment, and long-term peacebuilding. However, he noted that many Fulbe children, particularly girls, continue to face barriers to education due to poverty, mobility patterns, language barriers, discrimination, and the distance to schools.
He called on government agencies and development partners to expand community-based and mobile education programmes, provide scholarships for vulnerable children, and strengthen inclusive educational policies.
Addressing economic development, Mr. Kafari advocated increased investment in livestock production, veterinary services, market infrastructure, and value chain development to improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities. He emphasized that economic empowerment remains critical to reducing vulnerability and preventing conflicts.
He also highlighted the impact of climate change on both farming and pastoral communities, noting that declining water availability and deteriorating pasture conditions are forcing herders to migrate over longer distances, increasing the likelihood of conflicts.
To address these challenges, he recommended climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable grazing systems, environmental restoration programmes, tree planting initiatives, and improved water conservation measures.
On security and governance, Mr. Kafari stressed the need to strengthen trust between communities and security agencies through fairness, professionalism, and collaboration. He further called for the inclusion of Fulbe traditional leaders, women, and youth representatives in local governance structures, peace councils, and district dialogue platforms.
Concluding his address, Mr. Kafari reiterated that achieving lasting farmer–herder peace requires collective effort from farmers, herders, traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, and political leaders.
He urged all stakeholders to reject division and embrace dialogue, cooperation, and respect for diversity, expressing confidence that Ghana can build communities where farmers and herders coexist peacefully and contribute jointly to national development.
“Together, we can transform farmer–herder relations from mistrust and confrontation into cooperation, partnership, and shared prosperity for all,” he stated.
