By Abbas Bamalli
No fewer than 200 farmers and livestock practitioners have benefited from the Sustainable Peace and Resilience (SPAR) Project in Katsina State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, in collaboration with ActionAid and Tetra Tech, was designed to address the root causes of recurring conflicts between farmers and herders while improving economic resilience.
The Project Manager of the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), Damaris Uja, disclosed this during a project closeout and learning adaptation workshop in Katsina.
Uja highlighted the impact of the intervention across participating communities, explaining that the project, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture.
According to Uja, the 200 direct beneficiaries were drawn equally from Katsina and Benue states, with each state contributing 50 farmers and 50 livestock practitioners.
She added that many more people benefited indirectly through community-wide engagements and shared resources.
The Programme Manager noted that the project prioritised inclusivity by ensuring the participation of women and persons with disabilities, while equipping beneficiaries with skills to adapt to climate-related challenges.
“Key interventions under the SPAR project included the establishment of mini-ranching systems and aquaponics farming, a method that integrates fish and vegetable production to diversify income and enhance food security.
“We trained beneficiaries on sustainable livestock management and climate-smart agricultural practices, including the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides, to boost productivity and environmental safety,” Uja said.
She further revealed that advocacy visits were conducted at both state and community levels prior to implementation to secure the support of government authorities and traditional leaders, thereby fostering ownership and sustainability.
Uja expressed optimism that the mini-ranching model introduced under the project would help reduce clashes over grazing routes and the destruction of farmlands, ultimately strengthening relationships between farmers and pastoralists.
“Though the project duration is short, we are confident that the structures and knowledge put in place will deliver long-term impact. The facilities established will serve as models for replication in other communities,” she added.
Also speaking, the Team Leader of the SPRING Programme and representative of Tetra Tech, Ukona Ukiwo, underscored the importance of addressing the intersection between climate change and violent conflict.
Ukiwo said the SPRING programme reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Since its launch in 2024, he said the programme has collaborated with government agencies, security institutions and community stakeholders to strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms and build resilience among vulnerable populations.
He added that the programme contributed to policy frameworks, including support for the Katsina Amnesty Initiative, as well as environmental laws aimed at improving resource management. (NAN)