The Periscope Global Friday Focus On Pastoralists
Though certain knowledge has linked the farmer – herder conflict to the early creation with the story of Ken and Abel, the first two sons of Prophet Adam and Eve; Cain a farmer and Abel a shepherd, another knowledge has however integrated both the farmer and the shepherd as one. Therefore one wonders why the conflict and more particularly in the northern Nigerian context?
The answer, based on another knowledge, is the absence of knowledge that ought to be the beginning as much as it has made the very foundation of Islam with “READ” as the beginning of the Qur’anic revelation.
Njangen, Nduren, Ndemen (Let’s read, rear and farm) are the tasks Uthman Bn Fodio throws to the Fulbe in particular and Muslims in general as heritage, with a view to become knowledgeable, occupational and financial independent.
Njangen (Let’s read)
He who does not read will not know ALLAH, he who does not know ALLAH will not fear ALLAH, who does not fear ALLAH has gone astray, he who has gone astray loser and a loser is destined for hellfire
Nduren (Let’s rear)
He who does not rear will not have anything to sell, he who does not have anything to sell may not meet his demands, he who does not meet his demands may steal, he who steals will live in shame and may enter hellfire.
Ndemen Let’s farm)
He who does not farm you will not eat well, he who does not eat well will not read, he who does not read will not know his creator, he who does not know his Creator will not fear his Creator, he who does not fear his Creator will enter hellfire.
Pastoralists also have farms they cultivate but are however, for the most part, constant of the knowledge that could improve their cattle rearing and defend the grazing lands from the activities of farmers.
There are a number of pastoralists or Fulbe organisations in Nigeria that stand to address such challenges. However, the most remarkable of recent that has maintained the lead, is the Fulɓe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO)
Established in 2017, FUDECO an international non governmental organization, NGO, working in the area of development, humanitarian aid and a participatory action research network focusing on pastoralists, pastoral and pastoralism. It is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria where the largest population of the Fulbe are found.
FUDECO is mainly humanitarian, development and participatory research network focused on empowering pastoralists, preventing and managing communal conflicts; Working with the target group to promote and protect their rights to equal citizenship and participation in decision-making; supporting them to have access to facilities and infrastructure such as water, health and veterinary services; promoting education, literacy, numeracy, information, advice and guidance, in addition to contributing to the protection of the environment and reducing the impact of climate change.
The founder and National Chairman, Mr Sarli Sadou Nana has expanded the scope of FUDECO activities to cover research in theory and practice mainly on pastoralists with a view to end oppression, exploitation, aggression against the vulnerable communities of the fulbe and to advance the conduct of their occupation that is entirely revenue driven.
Funding is also sourced for the activity. Research has been conducted very recently in eight states in the North, covering livelihoods, resilience, farmer-herder conflicts, health, land, gender equality, citizenship, education, economic empowerment and media empowerment of pastoralists. Find below a report to that effect:
“Our External Research Evaluator, Dr. Kindzeka Emmanuel Wirkom, has completed his very successful and productive assessment visits to our teams in Borno and Adamawa States.
Our research in eight states is covering livelihoods, resilience, farmer-herder conflicts, health, land, gender equality, citizenship, education, economic empowerment and media empowerment of pastoralists.
“The aim of having an External Evaluator is to ensure that our Participatory Action Research process is carried out with objectivity, integrity and following laid down norms. He speaks to a sample of respondents, researchers and FUDECO leaders in the process.
“While in Borno, he handed over receipts of school fees to orphans being sponsored by FUDECO Borno State chapter – a very noble and laudable initiative.
“Previously he visited Plateau, Nasarawa, Kano and Bauchi states for same purpose.
“Dr. Wirkom is an education administrator who previously was a lecturer in Gombe State University, worked for the Economics Institute Abuja and was the Director and Vice Board Chairman of FAMAKS British Schools. He was the best graduating student of his batch at the first degree and masters level at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, ABU, Zaria.
“We thank our Evaluator, researchers and leaders,” SS Nana.