From Conflict to Cohesion: Community Voices on Peacebuilding Initiatives Related to the Farmer-Herder Conflict in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict remains a persistent challenge in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in agrarian regions where disputes over land, resources, and identity often escalate into violence. The farmer-herder conflict in Adamawa State has profoundly disrupted social cohesion, local governance, and economic life. While peacebuilding efforts have sought to restore stability, little is known about how these interventions are experienced and interpreted by those most affected. This study explored the lived experiences of community members engaged in Catholic Relief Services' (CRS) peacebuilding initiatives, with a focus on how these efforts have influenced trust, participation, and daily life in post-conflict settings. Guided by interpretive phenomenology, the study drew on the Human Security Framework and CRS's Social Cohesion Conceptual Framework to examine how peacebuilding was lived by farmers, herders, community leaders, SILC members, and local facilitators. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted across selected communities in Shelleng and Yola South LGAs. Data were analyzed thematically, producing six core themes and multiple sub-themes reflecting the emotional, economic, and relational dimensions of rebuilding peace. Findings revealed that participants did not perceive peacebuilding as a top-down policy or isolated event, but as a fragile and continuous process embedded in everyday interactions. Central to this process were the restoration of intergroup relationships, the revival of livelihoods, inclusion in community structures, and trust in both traditional and formal leaders. However, concerns about equity, sustainability, and the exclusion of certain groups, especially herders, highlighted ongoing challenges. Participants emphasized that peace is experienced not only through infrastructure or training, but through the ability to live without fear, to participate meaningfully, and to feel recognized and valued. This study contributes to the growing literature on grassroots peacebuilding by centering community voices and emotional realities in post-conflict recovery. The findings underscore the importance of holistic, inclusive approaches that address both material needs and the social fabric of communities. Implications point to the need for continued investment in community-led structures, long-term sustainability planning, and more equitable support across livelihood groups. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how peace is cultivated not in policy rooms, but in borehole queues, market paths, group meetings, and the quiet acts of coexisting again.