Long before now there has been love and coexistence between the two. Unwavering brotherhood that subsisted between farmers and herdsmen of old is now allowed to varnished. And the treasure of love and long lasting relationship is not protected. The efforts and tolerance of our parents is trashed and pushed to the drain. Hence the hatred, disrespect and quarrel. All these gradually become the practice of the day. While love and peace are chased away, to reside in the bush. Therefore maintaining peace between Farmers and Herdsmen becomes necessary, And efforts gearing towards forestalling further occurrence is essential.
Now, the consequence of all these is fighting back hard. And its becoming unbearable. Everyone is feeling the heat and there is no where to run to. Unfortunately the two separate groups are responsible for the food on our table. A fundamental necessary to keep body and soul together.
In my little experience as a part- time farmer, for just 2 planting seasons. I observed the activities of the two groups. Clearly not of the same style. The two groups operate at different level. But what is necessary is absolute understanding, tolerance and love. Once these are effectively established, peace will reign. Try and know your neighbours’ dos and don’ts. By this, one will have good understanding of friendship and life goes on.
To provide solution to the already battered situation, the following are relevant:
To establish regular meeting between the farmers and the herdsmen residing within the same area.
Regular meeting should be encouraged to take place between farmers and Herdsmen that reside within the same area. This will enable them to recognize themselves. Discussion can be made on issues that have to do with their coexistence. Development and security issues can be considered in such a forum.
Recognize and understand their dos and don’ts
This has to do with life style. Farmers should recognize Herdsmen with their ways of life .A typical cattle rearer does not play with his animal. Also farmers don’t play with their crops. What is important here is to respect each other with emphases on what each treasures.
Create adequate passage for the Herdsmen and their animals
Ensure that adequate road is made available for the rearer and their animals. When there is road for them to pass. There wouldn’t be need to walk through somebody’s farm. And animals eating people crops can be prevented.
Allow mature person to direct animals
Gracing of animals should be carried out by a more mature person. A mature person in this case involves experience. Someone who has the skill to control animals. So that they are not allowed to enter another person’s farm.
Be your brothers keeper
Herdsmen should be mindful of crops as efforts of the farmers. He needs to make sure that his animals are not allowed to destroy them. He should not allowed animals to walk on the wrong part where crops can be destroyed.
Report observation to the Elders on time
It is expected that any observation made in and around their farms should be reported early enough. Observation of strange things or items should be quickly reported to the appropriate quarters.
Be aware of new settlers in and around their territory
Report strange settlers around your farm to the elders on time. This include people you are not familiar with. Movement of strange people inclusive. farmers should make efforts to make timely observations. Particularly if the settlers appear strange.
Ready to pay compensation where it becomes necessary
Compensation becomes very appropriate when damage is caused to someone properties. Or where animals eat people crops. There should be proper understanding as to how this is handled.
