Researchers at the Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa State, have launched a two-year project to investigate whether vocational training and alternative sources of income can contribute to efforts to address banditry, kidnapping and communal conflict.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is financing the study through its National Research Fund programme.
Led by Professor Ado Garba Jangargari, the project is titled “Tech4Peace: Engaging Northern Nigeria Pastoralists in Non-Agricultural Livelihoods to Counter Banditry and Kidnapping in Kaduna and Jigawa States.”
The research will examine opportunities for pastoralist communities to diversify household income through trades such as tailoring, carpentry, shoemaking, bag-making, welding and cosmetics production, particularly among young people and women.
Speaking at the project’s inception workshop, Jangargari explained that the team would explore alternative livelihoods as a possible contribution to addressing insecurity and farmers-herders conflicts.
The initiative seeks to assess additional income opportunities alongside existing pastoral livelihoods, rather than encourage communities to abandon pastoralism.
Representing the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu, Wamban Dutse, Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, highlighted the role of traditional institutions and public agencies in resolving disputes.
Aminu, a former head of the Jigawa State Civil Service, recalled chairing a committee that investigated clashes in Kaugama and Miga local government areas.
He said its recommendations resulted in disciplinary action against individuals found responsible, including some traditional leaders.
He also highlighted the Farmers and Herders Board’s role in addressing disputes, land-use concerns and the protection of forest reserves.
FUD Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Gumel, commended the researchers for examining a challenge affecting communities across the region.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Central Administration, Professor Nasir Umar, Gumel urged the team to produce practical recommendations and pledged institutional support within available resources.
Over the 24-month period, the study will investigate the potential contribution of livelihood diversification to peacebuilding. Its findings are expected to inform recommendations for the participating communities in Jigawa and Kaduna.
The research will need to establish whether the proposed opportunities deliver sustainable economic benefits and how they could complement wider security and conflict-resolution measures.
