Farmers/Herders Clash: Jega Suggests Blended Ranching And Open Grazing As Interim Solution

Farmers/Herders Clash: Jega Suggests Blended Ranching And Open Grazing As Interim Solution

ABUJA — The Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee has proposed a temporary coexistence of ranching and open grazing as a solution to the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

Professor Attahiru Jega, co-chairman of the committee and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made this announcement on Thursday after submitting a comprehensive 152-page report to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Jega was joined by fellow committee members, including Professors Eustace Iyayi, Winnie Lai-Solarin, and Placid Njoku.

Jega emphasized the impracticality of an immediate shift from traditional pastoral practices, given the large population dependent on them. He warned against abruptly transitioning to ranching without addressing the needs of those involved in conventional pastoralism.

While the committee aims for long-term improvements in livestock production through ranching, Jega pointed out that this goal requires a gradual transition. He advocated for an approach that balances both ranching and open grazing temporarily, with the intention of eventually phasing out extensive pastoralism.

“The solution is not a simple ‘either-or’ situation,” Jega explained. “You can’t just eliminate traditional practices overnight without considering the livelihoods built around them. Our objective is to incrementally promote intensive livestock production while accommodating existing practices.”

The report outlines the committee’s recommendations for revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector, featuring specific targets to be achieved over the next decade. Key suggestions include the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, with structured frameworks to facilitate growth.

Jega expressed optimism that focused implementation could lead to significant improvements within ten years, benefiting job creation, economic growth, and potential exports. He noted the President’s support for the committee’s initiatives, which also aim to alleviate conflicts involving nomadic herders.

“We believe this sector has been long neglected,” Jega stated. “Our report presents a comprehensive plan to unlock the potential of livestock production, addressing 12 specific areas and outlining 22 objectives with 3,146 targeted indicators.”

Committee member Dr. Lai-Solarin highlighted the transformative potential of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for both Nigeria and investors in the sector. She emphasized Nigeria’s impressive livestock population, which includes 563 million poultry, 600 million sheep, and 58 million cattle, making it a leading livestock producer in West Africa.

Dr. Lai-Solarin encouraged investors to take advantage of the government’s renewed focus on the sector, which promises not only economic growth but also enhanced nutritional security for Nigerians. Professor Njoku added that the livestock sector’s estimated economic value is at least ₦33 trillion, urging a broader understanding of its potential beyond traditional associations with specific tribes or religions.