FUNAAB, Austrian Firm Partner to Launch Tech Solution for Farmer–Herder Conflicts

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20/01/26 • 67 Visninger • 0 Del • Udgivet i Andet

In a major move to address Nigeria’s long-standing farmer–herder crisis, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has entered into a strategic partnership with PeaceEye FlexCo, an Austria-based geospatial intelligence and digital innovation company, to develop a technology-driven Farmer–Herder App aimed at preventing and managing conflicts nationwide.

The collaboration was formalised on January 19, 2026, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a growing effort by Nigerian universities to deploy research-based and technology-enabled solutions to national security and development challenges.

Farmer–herder clashes have intensified in recent years, fuelled by climate change, shrinking arable land, water scarcity and changing migration patterns. These pressures have increased competition over land and natural resources, resulting in violence, displacement of rural communities and major economic losses, particularly in agrarian regions.

FUNAAB said the partnership seeks to move beyond reactive interventions by introducing data-driven tools that support early warning systems, coordination and peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists.

PeaceEye FlexCo, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria, specialises in Earth Observation (EO), Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite imagery and open-source intelligence for geospatial risk analysis. Under the agreement, both organisations will jointly design and deploy a Farmer–Herder App that is accessible, inclusive and adaptable to users regardless of literacy or educational background.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, PeaceEye’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andreas Papp, described the initiative as people-centred rather than purely technological.

“This partnership goes beyond technology. It is about building trust, enabling dialogue and co-creating digital tools that help communities agree on grazing routes, land use and peaceful coexistence,” Papp said.

He added that FUNAAB’s strong grassroots presence and research capacity make it a suitable partner for implementing solutions grounded in local realities rather than externally imposed models.

In his remarks, FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, said the farmer–herder crisis cannot be solved through agricultural interventions alone.

“The farmer–herder crisis is not merely an agricultural problem; it is a complex socio-economic and cultural issue. Beyond pasture provision, sustainable solutions must consider social dynamics, cross-boundary movements and community perceptions,” Kehinde noted.

Project details indicate that the proposed Farmer–Herder App will use geo-fencing technology to provide real-time access to mapped farmlands, designated grazing areas and approved migration corridors, enabling users to make informed decisions and avoid conflict-prone zones.

University officials believe the platform will promote transparency and shared understanding of land use, reduce conflict risks and support sustainable resource management and rural livelihoods.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior university officials, including the Acting Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye; the Caribbean Countries Desk Officer, Prof. John Oyedepo; the immediate past DRIP Director, Prof. Mutiu Busari; and the University Legal Officer, Mrs. Olanrewaju Tanimowo.

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