In a move aimed at addressing food insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts and economic challenges across Nigeria and the Sahel region, the WANILTU Academy, National Association of Farmers in Nigeria (NADFAN), LAS Family Network Nigeria and Paradigm News have entered into a strategic partnership to promote sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.
The alliance, announced in a joint statement, seeks to leverage the expertise and networks of the four organisations to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, foster social cohesion and create economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
The initiative comes at a time when many parts of Nigeria and the wider Sahel continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, insecurity, displacement, unemployment and declining agricultural output, all of which have contributed to rising poverty and food shortages.
Under the arrangement, WANILTU Academy will spearhead capacity-building programmes targeted at farmers, pastoralists, women and young people. The academy will provide training in agribusiness development, value-chain management, entrepreneurship, livestock production and self-reliance skills, while also deploying experts to underserved communities to support productivity and social cohesion initiatives.
The National Association of Farmers in Nigeria, led by Nuruddeen Nyako, will serve as the coordinating platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The association is expected to mobilise farming communities, facilitate engagement with government agencies and development partners, promote sustainable agricultural practices and help farmers access funding opportunities.
As part of the partnership, LAS Family Network Nigeria, headed by Sani Jada, will act as the strategic coordinating institution. The organisation will strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, academic institutions, development agencies and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
The network will also coordinate activities across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, facilitate collaboration among partners and support the development of strategic alliances needed to sustain the initiative over the long term.
On the communications front, Paradigm News, led by Raymond Enoch, will oversee media engagement and public awareness activities. These will include news coverage, documentaries, radio and television programmes, public advocacy campaigns and digital outreach designed to amplify the impact of the partnership and highlight success stories from participating communities.
According to the partners, the collaboration is built on the conviction that sustainable development and lasting peace can only be achieved through collective action that empowers communities, strengthens relationships between farmers and pastoralists, and expands access to education, skills, information and economic opportunities.
To achieve its objectives, the partnership plans to organise training workshops, agricultural exhibitions, stakeholder conferences, entrepreneurship programmes, community peace dialogues, development forums and town hall meetings.
Particular emphasis will be placed on climate-smart agriculture, conflict prevention and resolution, youth engagement, women’s empowerment and community resilience.
The partners said the expected outcomes include improved cooperation between farmers and herders, increased agricultural productivity, greater participation in agribusiness, enhanced livelihoods and stronger community resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
They also expressed optimism that the initiative would help reduce conflicts that have hindered development in many communities while serving as a bridge linking rural populations with governments, development institutions, investors and private-sector actors.
The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance peace, food security, economic empowerment and sustainable development across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, describing the partnership as a practical response to some of the region’s most pressing socio-economic and security challenges.
