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The Collection of Best Practices for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts between Farmers and Herders in West and Central Africa highlights practical approaches to reducing and resolving growing tensions between farmers and pastoralists across the region. The publication was developed with support from UNOCA, UNOWAS, and partners to address conflicts driven by climate change, insecurity, population growth, expanding farmland, increasing livestock numbers, and competition over land and water resources.

Key messages of the collection include:

• Strengthening transhumance governance: Improve regulation of seasonal livestock movements through clearer legal frameworks, harmonized regional policies, and better cross-border coordination.
• Promoting dialogue and mediation: Support local peace committees, traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, and regular communication between farmers, herders, community leaders, and authorities.
• Improving natural resource management: Establish agreed rules for access to grazing land, water points, and migration corridors to reduce disputes.
• Enhancing regional cooperation: Encourage stronger engagement by regional organizations such as ECOWAS and ECCAS and align national legislation with regional frameworks.
• Supporting inclusive governance: Involve local communities, civil society, farmers¡¯ and herders¡¯ associations, government institutions, and international partners in prevention and response efforts.

Overall, the collection argues that sustainable peace between farmers and herders requires a combination of effective governance, resource-sharing arrangements, conflict mediation mechanisms, regional cooperation, and political commitment at local, national, and regional levels.