In an effort to avert the recurring conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, the Kundugu Peace Committee and the Upper West Regional Peace Council in partnership with UNDP with financial support from Norway and Denmark through the Atlantic Corridor Project has established seven standard rules ahead of this year’s farming season.
This initiative aims to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in the Kundugu community. The committee’s primary objective is to prevent incidents such as herdsmen grazing their cattle on cultivated lands and to protect herdsmen from unjust accusations or harassment by farmers.
On Tuesday, 11th March, 2025, a dialogue involving farmers, cattle owners, and the fulbe leadership organized in Kundugu community resulted in the creation of bye-laws. They stipulate that cattle herds should be guided to graze starting at 5 a.m. and should be returned to their pens by 6 p.m. Additionally, cattle owners and herdsmen are required to build adequate kraals to securely house their livestock, ensuring they do not trespass onto farm lands.
A significant aspect of these new regulations is the emphasis on accountability: should cattle stray into another’s farm, herdsmen are expected to collaborate in identifying the responsible party so that legal actions can be pursued accordingly. Importantly, no leniency will be granted to cattle owners or herdsmen whose animals cause farm damage. Moreover, farmers are encouraged to report any instances of retaliatory harm to livestock, such as deliberate killings, to the Kundugu community peace council.
One of the rules mandates that the Fulbe community maintain a register, overseen by their chief, ensuring all Fulbes in the area are documented. This register will aid in better community management and integration. Furthermore, it has been established that individuals under the age of 18 should not be left in charge of cattle unsupervised.
The committee plans to distribute these bye-laws to various stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, and the leadership within the Fulbe and Kundugu community.
About 50 stakeholders were invited for the dialogue in Kundugu.
Mr. Bapene Alende, the secretary of the Kundugu Peace Council Committee, expressed optimism regarding these measures. He believes that by systematic implementation, the committee can overcome the longstanding disputes that arise with each farming season, paving the way for sustainable peace and cooperation in the Atlantic Corridor.
