Following the recently concluded Stakeholder mapping/pilot training in Benue, the Federal Capital Territory Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has conducted stepdown training for it’s project staff and the FNGO.

Mr. Olalekan Ifelola, the Project’s Natural Resource Officer, alongside the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mrs. Margaret Oladoja, and Richard Ogiri, Environmental and Safety Officer, facilitated the training.

The facilitators emphasized using the common ground approach in resolving any conflict that may arise in all the targeted project sites. Emphasis was made on participatory Stakeholder Mapping and Early Warning and Early Response (EWER)

Ifelola stressed the importance of maintaining a non-partisan posture in conflict mediation as a strategy to build trust among all community groups. He urged participants to focus on communicating the benefits of the ACReSAL project, suggesting that highlighting these advantages could motivate conflicting parties to embrace peace.

He underscored the necessity of engaging various community groups including women, youth, tribal, and religious groups throughout the project’s activities, noting that this inclusive approach would ensure that the interests and concerns of all stakeholders are considered and captured in project interventions.

The workshop concluded with a robust question and answer session, featuring practical demonstrations of techniques in mediation and conflict resolution.