The relationship between the Mbororos and non Mbororos has over the years been characterized by conflict triggered by competition over land and other related resources like water and pasture and compounded by the growing population of the region.

It is within this backdrop that a new project aimed amongst other things at promoting inter cultural dialogue and advocacy with the view to reduce conflicts and marginalization of minorities, youths and women in the North West region and beyond has been launched.

The project titled “Bridging the Gap: Safeguarding peace and human rights by promoting intercultural dialogue” was launched on June 8, 2018 in a ceremony presided at by the Governor of the North West region, Adolf Lele Lafrique.

Funded by the European Union, the project which will run for 3 years will be implemented by 3 associations; United Purpose, Uk which is the lead, the Mbororo Social and Development Association, MBOSCUDA and the North West Farmers Association, NOWEFOR.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, the Representative of United Purpose, Uk, just like Secretary General to the Bamenda City Council who represented the Government Delegate and other speakers were unanimous that the project is a stitch in time not only to salvage the region out of persistent framer grazer conflicts.

It is hoped that at the end of the project, there will be increased intercultural understanding and mutual respect between Mbororo-Fulani and non Mbororo crop farmers, improved awareness of cultural rights issues and increased responsiveness of public policies and decisions to cultural identities and cultural minorities in the region.

By Njodzefe Nestor