(Video) President Tinubu Receives Detailed Report On Herders-Farmers Conflict from Ganduje-Led Committee

(Video) President Tinubu Receives Detailed Report On Herders-Farmers Conflict from Ganduje-Led Committee....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a significant gathering at the presidential villa yesterday, the National Conference Committee on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation Association of Nigeria came together to present their detailed report and strategy for addressing the critical challenges surrounding the conflicts between herders and farmers in the nation to President Tinubu…CONTINUE READING.

The group, led by former Kano State Governor Ganduje, then gave a press conference to detail their meetings with the president and to lay out some potential long-term solutions.

Governor Ganduje went on to categorise cattle rearers into four distinct groups: those who live with their cattle in ranches or around them, those who migrate from the northern regions across the country, herdsmen from other West African countries travelling down to the north and beyond, and indigenous herdsmen who have become integral parts of local communities.

In the past, a mutual symbiosis existed between herders and farmers, with the former providing manure and the latter offering grazing lands in return.

However, the tide has shifted with modernization and civilization. Farmers no longer rely on cattle for manure due to the availability of fertilizers, while herdsmen face difficulties in finding suitable grass for their cattle.

One panel member and a professor from Ibadan highlighted the perennial challenges faced by livestock herders in their search for food and water. He emphasized that modernization and the conversion of grazing reserves for private purposes by some state governments have exacerbated these challenges.

For example, an average cattle can sense water up to 10 km away, and when their traditional routes are blocked, it can lead to destructive behavior. To address these issues, transitioning to modern cattle rearing methods like ranching is essential.

Education of nomadic herders, both in animal care and their interactions with farmers and communities, was also discussed. The panel underscored that embracing modernized ranching could alleviate migration issues, as animals reared in ranches produce better quality meat and milk due to reduced stress from long treks.

This transformation is not an overnight endeavor but a gradual process, as exemplified by the successful experience of Kano State under Governor Ganduje’s administration.

Continuous education, encompassing all aspects of the livestock industry, from animal husbandry to modern farming techniques, was deemed crucial. The relationship between herders and communities should also be nurtured through education and dialogue.

Government intervention and leadership are pivotal in modernizing livestock farming, and the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock was suggested to handle these complex issues effectively.

In conclusion, the committee emphasized the need for an all-encompassing approach to provide solutions and security in the herders-farmers conflict, acknowledging that while declaring war may be easy, addressing this complex issue requires concerted and holistic efforts.

Watch the brief video snippet above.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.

Source iReporteronline.