Marriage of Inconvenience Between Herders and Farmers in Nigeria: Can Elephant and Hippo Tango?

Abstract

This study sets out to examine the implications of open grazing system on sustainable development in Nigeria. It was necessitated by the unprecedented burning of houses, killing and maiming of farmers across different blocs of Nigeria. The last few years witnessed violent clashes between pastoralists and crop farmers in various parts of the country over grazing resources which has led to the loss of numerous lives and properties, food shortages arising from abandonment of farm lands and destruction of crops, environmental degradation and conflicts of ethno-religious coloration among the various sections that make up the Nigerian State. The study adopted Ex-post facto research method. And content analysis method was used as analytical tool. An in-depth survey was carried out adopting focus group discussion, face- to- face interview to complement data got from records. The study revealed among others that pastoralists perceive cattle breeding as government business which should take preeminence over other agricultural activities in Nigeria. Any slightest attempt to manhandle their cattle leads to violent class between herders and farmers. Flowing from the findings, the following major recommendations were proffered. They include: building of ranches in lieu of the proposed cattle colony. The question is who will provide land? It is also recommended that effective regulation of grazing and farming activities in Nigeria through efficient land use laws/regulations and administration.