At least 80 selected women from different security frontline areas in Katsina participated in a training on conflict prevention through interest-based negotiation.

The four-day training, part of the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience Programme, funded by the European Union, commenced in Katsina on Monday.

The exercise was organised by Mercy Corps, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, and the Centre for Democracy and Development.

Mercy Corps senior programme manager Philip Ikita said that the Community and Social Development Resource Management and IBN training sought to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwestern Nigeria.

According to Mr Ikita, the programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation project.

“It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery. The project is aimed to reinforce peace and socio-economic stability in Northwestern Nigeria through inclusive, locally-led, and sustainable approaches,” he said.

Mr. Ikita added that the first two days of the training would build the capacity of community women to manage and resolve local conflicts through the IBN approaches, which focus on shared interests rather than opposing positions.

He said that the expected outcomes include improved communication and negotiation skills among participants, strengthened collaboration and trust between communities, and an enhanced ability to address and resolve resource-based disputes.

According to him, the last two days will focus on CSDRM training, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to manage shared community and social development resources, such as land, water, and forests, in a sustainable and conflict-sensitive manner.

Lynda Nkechi-Emmanuel, the Mercy Corps senior programme officer, said that through the IBN and CBNRM training, Mercy Corps aims to promote dialogue and collaboration over competition.

“It is also targeting to build local capacity for peaceful dispute resolution, support long-term resilience and social cohesion.

“These interventions are part of broader efforts under the CPCRR programme to ensure that crisis-affected communities can adapt, recover, and thrive through local leadership and cooperation,” she said.

(NAN)