Benjamin Dimongso Kafari
Benjamin Dimongso Kafari, Executive Director of ASERD‑Ghana, has urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, security agencies, civil society, development partners and communities to promote sustainable farmer–herder peace and the inclusion of Fulbe communities in national development.
Speaking as guest of honour at the North East Regional Conference of Tabital Pulaaku International in Walewale, which seeks to foster understanding and constructive engagement among diverse groups and to support ongoing peace building efforts in the region, Mr. Kafari described the conference theme, “Farmer–Herder Peace: A Collective Responsibility of All Stakeholders,” as timely given rising tensions across Ghana and the West African sub‑region.
“Farmer–herder peace is a shared responsibility that demands collective commitment and practical action,” he said.
Mr. Kafari identified competing demands for land and water, climate change, environmental degradation, population growth, misinformation and weak conflict‑management structures as key drivers of farmer–herder conflict.
He acknowledged the significant economic contribution of Fulbe communities through livestock production, dairy and meat supply, trade and rural livelihoods, but warned that stigmatisation and negative stereotyping where criminal acts by a few are attributed to the whole community undermine social cohesion and development.
He recommended strengthening dialogue and local mediation by involving chiefs, Fulani leaders, women and youth in conflict‑resolution structures, implementing land‑use planning, designated grazing corridors and watering points, transparent compensation mechanisms and early‑warning systems to prevent and de‑escalate clashes among others.
As a consultant to the National Council of Fulani Chiefs (NCFC) in Ghana, Mr. Kafari called on media, opinion leaders, educational institutions, religious bodies and civil society to promote responsible communication, intercultural dialogue and peace education.
He urged journalists to avoid inflammatory reporting and ethnic profiling, stressing that no community should be judged by the actions of a few.
According to him, government action alone will not secure lasting peace, urging that citizens must reject actions that fuel division and embrace dialogue, cooperation and respect for diversity, while expressing confidence that inclusive, sustained engagement can transform istrust into cooperation and shared prosperity.
FROM Eric Kombat, Walewale