Dutse varsity launches research against kidnapping and banditry in the north

From** Mohammed Abubakar, **Dutse

The Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa state, has begun a research effort geared towards addressing the perennial clashes between farmers and Fulani cattle breeders in most parts of northern Nigeria. The effort, it hoped would also help in combating banditry and kidnapping in the region through the provision of the alternative means of livelihood for the Fulani communities.

The initiative covers Jigawa and Kaduna states, with the broader objective of demonstrating how alternative livelihoods, vocational training and entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable peace and improved community resilience.

Already a maiden workshop with the theme: “Tech4peace: Engaging Northern Nigerian Pastoralists in Non-Agricultural Livelihoods to Counter Banditry & Kidnapping in Kaduna and Jigawa states took place at the institution recently.

The choice of the two states, according to the organizers, was informed by the frequency of the occurrence of conflicts between farmers and cattle reaerers which in most cases lead to loss of lives and destruction of means of livelihoods as well damages to property.

The initiative, is being spearhead by a team of researchers led by Prof. Ado Garba, a senior researcher in the Department of Agricultural Science and Extension Services of the university, with funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETfund) National Research Fund (NRF) programme and is expected to run for 24 months.

The research, which took almost two years to materialise, according to the don, seeks to examine how vocational skills, entrepreneurship and alternative sources of income can complement pastoralism and reduce the economic vulnerabilities that may expose some members of pastoralist communities to criminal activities.

He noted that the project was conceived against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria despite efforts by governments and security agencies to tackle banditry and kidnapping, arguing that the seasonal nature of agricultural activities could leave some pastoralist households, particularly young people, with limited income-generating opportunities during certain periods.

He maintained that the project would also explore non-agricultural occupations, including tailoring, carpentry, shoemaking, bag making, welding and cosmetics production, as potential avenues for sustainable livelihoods.The intervention is expected to give participating pastoralists, particularly youths and women, access to practical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities that could improve household incomes and strengthen their economic independence.

Beyond skills acquisition, he said, the research would examine the relationship between livelihood opportunities, economic vulnerability and insecurity, with a view to generating evidence that can guide policies and future interventions in the two states.

The expected outcomes include improved understanding of the economic factors associated with insecurity, identification of viable non-agricultural livelihood options and the development of recommendations for promoting peace, social inclusion and economic resilience among pastoralist communities.

The researchers also intend to engage relevant stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government institutions, security agencies, academics and community members, to ensure that the intervention reflect the needs and realities of the target communities, noting, however, that the project was not intended to replace pastoralism but to provide complementary sources of income capable of reducing dependence on a single livelihood and improving the economic prospects of vulnerable households.

However, the researchers acknowledged that livelihood interventions alone could not eliminate banditry and kidnapping. Rather, the initiative is expected to complement existing security measures by addressing some of the socioeconomic challenges associated with vulnerability to criminal activities being associated with the Fulani herdsmen.

Former Head of Jigawa State Civil Service, Prince Mustapha Aminu, said farmers-herders conflicts, which had previously posed significant challenges in Jigawa, had been brought under greater control through government interventions and the establishment of mechanisms to address disputes by successive administrations in the state.

Aminu, who represented the Emir of Dutse, Halima Nuhu Sanusi, recalled that during his tenure, he chaired a committee set up to examine farmers-herders clashes between Kaugama and Miga local government areas.

According to him, the committee’s work resulted in the imposition of penalties and disciplinary measures against individuals identified as being responsible for the conflicts, including village and ward heads.

He said the period also witnessed the establishment of the Farmers and Herders Board to address disputes and prevent the unlawful occupation of land, including forest reserves.

The Emir explained that the board’s initial leadership undertook efforts to recover lands allegedly taken over unlawfully, stressing the importance of protecting the rights of farmers and herders while ensuring compliance with land-use regulations.

He noted that the progress recorded in managing the conflicts demonstrated the importance of firm government action, effective institutions and sustained engagement with affected communities.

The monarch’s position aligns with the objectives of the Tech4Peace project, which seeks to investigate how non-agricultural livelihoods, vocational skills and entrepreneurship can complement pastoralism and provide additional income opportunities for vulnerable households.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutse, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Gumel lauded leader of the team for rapidly responding to one of the most pressing contemporary issues affecting the north such as banditry, armed robbery and kidnapping with a view to finding a lasting solution to them.

Gumel, who was represented by the deputy Vice-Chancellor Central Administration, Prof. Nasir Umar ccharged the team to come up with practical and actionable recommendations that could stand the test of time, while pledging the support of the university administration within the available resources of the institution.

The project’s findings are expected to provide policymakers and development partners with evidence to design more effective livelihood, peacebuilding and community development programmes in Northern Nigeria.

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