Benin herder in field with cattle

Practicing Peace in Benin

Photo by Jean-Michel Kpakpo

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As the sun begins to set in the small village of Korobororou, on the outskirts of Parakou in northern Benin, Al Hadj Moussa Saliou stands amid a herd of 70 or so cattle. They have just returned from a day of grazing.

 

Benin herder with cattle in field

Al Hadji Moussa Saliou, a cattle breeder in the village of Korobororou Peulh, in the commune of Parakou in Benin, has 70 head of cattle. He checks in on his cattle after a day's grazing.

Photo by Jean-Michel Kpakpo

 

Under the benevolent shade of a large mango tree, Moussa and his herdsmen discuss the day's grazing. They talk about any incidents that have occurred and plan for the following day—everything that is necessary to ensure the well-being of their precious herd.

Nearby, Antoine Grogronougui, a farmer from Korobororou who grows cassava, maize, soybeans, cotton, and peppers, checks on his recently planted fields. In a few months, he hopes to have thriving crops that he can sell at the market or eat at home.

 

smiling Benin farmer in field

Antoine Grogronougui, a farmer from Korobororou who grows cassava, maize, soybeans, cotton and peppers, is proud of his maize field. In a few weeks, he hopes to have thriving crops of this grain that he can sell at the market and a part to eat at home.

Layouza Chabi Yerima/CRS

 

The two men both share the goal of supporting their families, but in this area of Benin, difficult access to natural resources, such as farmland, grazing areas and water—and the unshared management of these resources by farmers and herders—has repeatedly led to violent conflicts between these two groups.

“A few months ago, my cassava field was ruined, and despite investigating and confronting Fulani herders, who all denied involvement,” Antoine says. “My frustration grew as I depleted my savings to buy more cassava for my family's needs.”

Farmers say a leading cause of crop destruction by cattle is because young children are sent to tend to the herds. The cattle can wander off as the children play or fall asleep in the midday heat. Herders say that farmers need to provide paths for the cattle to pass to water and food sources, so that they don’t accidentally trample or eat the crops.

"In the past, we have experienced numerous violent conflicts with farmers,” Moussa says. “Even my children have been imprisoned on charges of damaging their crops. Our animals also need grazing, and we do not intentionally seek to damage their fields.”

 

Benin herder facing camera in field with cattle

Al Hadji Moussa Saliou is a key figure in his community in Benin. As part of the Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project, he helps prevent and peacefully manage conflicts between farmers and herders.

Photo by Jean-Michel Kpakpo

 

These testimonies underscore the severe social cohesion challenges among farmers and herders, with conflicts often sparking violence. To address this, Moussa, the herdsmen’s leader, and Antoine, the farmers’ leader, were invited to participate in a specialized peacekeeping training through the Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project, which translates as, “let's live and work together for peace” in the local language.

After participating in training on social cohesion and peaceful coexistence through the project, both communities were able to shift perspective and build bridges. They gained skills in conflict prevention and management and how to heal from trauma. The training also helped foster mutual trust and social cohesion, with Moussa and Antoine acting as peace ambassadors who will support the effective implementation of these practices.

"After the training, we gained a better understanding of how to engage in dialogue with farmers,” Moussa says. “We became aware of the importance of discussions to prevent conflicts and reduce violence. We adopt a calm approach."

A conflict management committee was established, consisting of six members—three farmers and three herders—to find solutions to the community problems. When an issue exceeds the committee's capacity, people turn to the local leader, who makes the final decision.

In line with their commitments, the herders have stopped sending young children with their herds. In return, farmers have provided corridors for the animals to cross their fields. There have been significant changes and many improvements in the way farmers and herders work together. The prospects for greater peace are improving.

 

smiling farmer in field in Benin

Antoine Grogronougui, is a key figure within farm community in Korobororou village in Benin. As part of the Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project, he is one of the six committee members who helps prevent and peacefully manage conflicts between farmers and herders.

Layouza Chabi Yerima/CRS

 

"Since the training, violence has decreased considerably, but it still exists,” Antoine says. “I particularly appreciated bringing both communities together to cooperate. I doubt this conflict will ever truly end, as there is a shortage of land amidst a growing population. However, the approach to resolving the conflict has evolved. We will use the tools we've learned to teach others to change their behaviors."

For example, he says, farmers now welcome herders to assist them in harvesting, and then allow their animals to graze on the leftovers. While the ultimate dream for the herders is to have dedicated grazing land for their animals, as a next step, Moussa says it is crucial to raise awareness throughout the wider community about these practices.

“Some among us have acquired these techniques, but not everyone has,” he says. “If everyone master’s them, it could have an even more positive impact."

 

The Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project is a U.S. Agency for International Development, People-to-People Peacebuilding program. Developed in response to political conflicts in 2019 and the recurrent community conflicts between farmers and herders, Kadjogbé Fou Itounou is promoting social understanding, encouraging intra- and inter-group collaboration, and mitigating risks of electoral violence, farmer-herder conflicts, the frustration of disadvantaged groups and violent spillover from neighboring countries. The project also supports economic inclusion through Savings and Internal Lending Community and youth entrepreneurship approaches, as well as integrated gender-responsive and transformative programs.

First implemented in March 2023 by Catholic Relief Services and its partners, Caritas Parakou and Caritas Dassa in four communes of the Borgou and Collines departments, the activities expanded to the other three departments of northern Benin: Alibori, Atacora and Dong). In its extended phase, the Kadjogbé Fou Itounou project aims to reach 11,336 direct beneficiaries and 70,583 indirect beneficiaries by the project's completion in August 2026.

 

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