Agropastoral conflicts in Benin: Urgent need to accelerate efforts toward a lasting solution

In Kika, in the commune of Tchaourou, a herder hacked off the hand of a farmer who was trying to drive cattle away from his maize field on October 20, 2026. Although official figures show a 42.8% decline in conflicts between farmers and transhumant herders in 2025, roaming livestock, crop damage, shortages of water and pasture, and disputes over land continue to fuel tensions. The article urges authorities to turn administrative progress into lasting peace and emphasizes the role of local elected officials in prevention. In Lalo, Mayor Pélagie Gowui brought together farmers, herders, security forces, and local officials in October to establish peaceful pastoral monitoring through dialogue and enforcement of rules.