FUNAAB Partners Austria’s PeaceEye to Deploy Digital App for Farmer–Herder Conflict Resolution

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has entered into a strategic partnership with PeaceEye FlexCo, an Austria-based geospatial intelligence and digital innovation firm, to develop a technology-driven Farmer–Herder App aimed at addressing Nigeria’s persistent farmer–herder conflicts.

The collaboration was formalised on January 19, 2026, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), positioning both institutions to deploy a research-led, data-driven digital solution to one of the country’s most complex socio-economic and security challenges.

Farmer–herder conflicts across Nigeria have escalated in recent years due to climate change, declining land productivity, water scarcity, and shifting migration patterns. These pressures have intensified competition over land and natural resources, resulting in repeated outbreaks of violence, displacement of communities, and significant economic losses. The FUNAAB–PeaceEye initiative seeks to mitigate these challenges through innovation, spatial intelligence, and community-centred engagement.

PeaceEye FlexCo, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria, specialises in Earth Observation (EO), Artificial Intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, and open-source intelligence for geospatial risk analysis in public-interest projects. Under the agreement, FUNAAB and PeaceEye will co-design and deploy a Farmer–Herder App that is accessible, intuitive, and adaptable to users regardless of literacy level or formal education.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, PeaceEye’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andreas Papp, praised FUNAAB’s strong community linkages and applied research capacity, describing the initiative as a bottom-up approach driven by local realities rather than externally imposed solutions.

“This partnership is not just about technology,” Mr. Papp said. “It is about trust-building, dialogue, and co-creating digital tools that help communities agree on grazing routes, land use, and peaceful coexistence. FUNAAB’s grassroots engagement makes it an ideal partner.”

In his remarks, FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the collaboration as both timely and strategic, noting that the farmer–herder crisis extends beyond agriculture into broader social, cultural, and economic dimensions.

“The farmer–herder conflict is not merely an agricultural issue,” Prof. Kehinde said. “Sustainable solutions must consider social dynamics, cross-boundary movements, and community perceptions. FUNAAB is well positioned to integrate these elements into a scalable, evidence-based intervention.”

The proposed Farmer–Herder App will leverage geo-fencing and spatial mapping technologies to provide farmers and nomadic herders with real-time information on mapped farmlands, designated grazing reserves, and approved migration corridors. By improving transparency, coordination, and shared understanding of land use, the platform is expected to reduce conflict risks and promote sustainable resource management.

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

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).