Open Grazing Support Stemmed From Misinterpretation, Expert Explains

Open Grazing Support Stemmed From Misinterpretation, Expert Explains....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Following the submission of its report to President Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee’s endorsement of open grazing for another 10 years is misguided and contrary to global livestock practices. Rather than advancing reforms, this recommendation could perpetuate outdated livestock systems that result in both human and economic losses……CONTINUE READING 

President Tinubu should reject any recommendation that maintains the status quo, which the committee was formed to change. Instead of creating a new livestock ministry, the existing Ministry of Agriculture can effectively handle the reforms. While the committee rightly noted that a sudden ban on open grazing could be disruptive, a 10-year timeline for its elimination is unreasonable and unnecessary.

Former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew ended nomadic pastoralism in his country within three months, without establishing a livestock ministry. One of the major issues with open grazing in Nigeria is the frequent conflict between herders and farmers. Livestock often stray into farmlands, destroying crops and livelihoods, which has led to violence. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, at least 2,600 people were killed in 2021 due to herder-farmer conflicts and cattle rustling.

Open grazing undermines food security, disrupts farming activities, and fuels social unrest. In 2014, the Global Terrorism Index listed Fulani herdsmen among the top four terrorist groups globally. Nigeria’s growing population has led to intense competition for land, and open grazing exacerbates this by damaging crops and heightening tensions between herders and farmers.

Nigeria’s delicate ecosystems are also at risk due to overgrazing, which depletes vegetation and accelerates desertification. The unchecked movement of livestock harms forest reserves and protected areas, threatening biodiversity and worsening climate change effects. Over time, this environmental degradation reduces the productivity of land for both farming and livestock rearing.

Public health concerns are another issue. The uncontrolled movement of livestock increases the risk of diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and tuberculosis, which can spread to humans. Controlled livestock practices, such as ranching, offer better health monitoring and management, protecting both animals and humans.

Economically, open grazing is inefficient in today’s agricultural landscape. It offers low returns for herders, while ranching or feedlot systems have proven to enhance productivity, lower mortality rates, and increase profitability. Ranching allows for controlled breeding, feeding, and veterinary care, leading to healthier livestock and higher yields of meat and dairy products. Furthermore, it creates job opportunities in fodder production, feed supply, and veterinary services.

To tackle these challenges, Nigeria must modernize its livestock sector. Countries like Brazil and the United States have successfully transitioned to ranching and sustainable livestock models. Nigeria’s agriculture sector holds significant potential, but maintaining backward practices like open grazing will only hinder the country’s progress.