Easing Tensions Between Pastoralists and Farmers

Conflict between nomadic pastoralists and settled farmers not only has slowed the pace of Darfur’s economy, but also has created an impact on the security situation across the region.

By Emadeldin Rijal

Darfur’s pastoralists and farmers represent two sides of the same coin, or, to use an architectural metaphor, the twin pillars on which Darfur’s economy is built. However, despite the similarities, the long conflict between the settled farmers, who cultivate the land for food, and the nomadic pastoralists, who tend to the many different types of animal herds in the region, not only has slowed the pace of Darfur’s economy, but also has created a significant impact on the security situation here.

One of the original conflicts in Darfur dates to the 1932 clashes between pastoralists and farmers over claims to land. In recent years, observers have attributed the steady escalation of such frictions in part to local authorities neglecting to make formal arrangements for seasonal movement of nomadic pastoralists across Darfur.

As the desert continues to encroach on verdant areas, nomadic pastoralists have abandoned the previous routes they travelled in search of land for grazing. This shift has heightened the tension between the two groups. Compounding this situation is the absence of a formal schedule for the movement of the nomads’ herds. Tension with the framers typically becomes much more acute during harvest time, when entire crops can easily be destroyed by hungry passing cattle.

“During the harvest period, the situation is potentially dangerous, especially if pastoralists do not refrain from invading our farms,” says Yahia Al-Noor, a West Darfur farmer who explains that the careless invasion of the farms results in hostile attitudes and even armed clashes.

Through careful planning, civil society representatives and government officials in West Darfur are attempting to address this situation and ease the tensions between the two groups. The Wali (Governor) of West Darfur, Haider Gali Koma, recently established a High Committee for Protecting the Agricultural Season. The purpose of the committee is to find a compromise solution to this longstanding problem.

“Our concern lies in protecting and making the agricultural season successful,” says Abdallah Hamdan Ballal, Chair of the High Committee. “The routes taken by nomadic pastoralists are likely to cause friction.”

Read the full article in the August issue of Voices of Darfur. Download the magazine (PDF) here.