ActionAid Ghana has urged landowners and communities to demarcate specific grazing areas for cattle during the cropping season. This measure aims to reduce escalating tensions between farmers and herders, particularly in the Upper West Region.
Madam Abiba Nibaradun, ActionAid Ghana’s Upper West Regional Programme Manager, stated this initiative will minimise crop destruction by cattle. It will also ease competition over limited grazing lands and promote peaceful coexistence. The recurring conflicts threaten livelihoods and economic empowerment, especially among women farmers.
These farmer-herder conflicts are a significant challenge to Ghana's agricultural sector and rural stability. They often disrupt food production and displace communities, impacting the national economy. The call for demarcation aligns with broader efforts to formalise land use and reduce resource-based disputes across the country.
Madam Nibaradun made her appeal in Tumu during a stakeholder meeting organised by Action for Sustainable Development (ASUDEV) and ActionAid Ghana. She also condemned the use of children, particularly Fulbe children, as herders, describing it as child labour. She stressed that every child deserves access to education.
Mr. Osman Kanton, Executive Director of ASUDEV, identified competition over land and water resources, climate change, and deep-rooted mistrust as primary causes of these conflicts. Findings from engagements in 10 communities revealed farmers' concerns about crop destruction, night grazing, and the felling of shea trees. Herders, conversely, cited the absence of designated cattle routes and grazing lands, farming too close to Fulbe settlements, and threats against young herders as their main issues. They also highlighted excessive compensation demands and cattle poisoning as challenges.
Mr. Kanton urged chiefs and cattle owners to ensure herds are kept in secure kraals. He also called for communities to designate communal grazing areas and involve Fulbe leaders in resolving crop destruction cases fairly. The Sissala East Municipal Assembly should enact bye-laws requiring secure kraals for large cattle herds and prohibiting night grazing during the cropping season.
Kuoro Tortimah Nansia, Divisional Chief of Kulfuo, supported the proposal, stating, “Every section should have a place for cattle to feed on, and any section that refuses will not be allowed to rear cattle in the community.” Mr. Jordan Benpula of SAVE-Ghana emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue, involving Fulbe leaders and women in decision-making processes. He noted that bye-laws on farmer-herder conflicts have already been developed and gazetted in the Sissala East Municipality and will soon take effect.
Mr. Adamu Benin Yakubu, Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive, assured participants of the Assembly's commitment to supporting initiatives promoting peaceful coexistence. Madam Sala Mohammed, a participant from Bugubelle, shared her experience of cattle destroying her farm produce. She expressed hope that the meeting would address this issue, which disproportionately affects women farmers.
The implementation of designated grazing areas and robust bye-laws could significantly reduce economic losses for farmers and herders. It could also foster greater social cohesion in affected regions. The success of these measures will depend on strong collaboration among local authorities, traditional leaders, and community members. This ongoing effort will be crucial for ensuring long-term agricultural stability and rural development in Ghana.