The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano State chapter, Abdullahi Ali Maibiredi, has expressed concerns over a potential escalation of farmers-herders clashes as the harvest season approaches in Kano, Nigeria. Maibiredi stated that the problem has persisted for years, resulting in clashes, loss of property, and deaths. He emphasized that authorities have yet to find a lasting solution, despite the significant impact on farming and farmers' livelihoods.
Maibiredi shared his personal experience, revealing that he lost about 85 per cent of his crops last year due to the conflict, yet saw no substantial action taken to address the issue. He called on relevant authorities to intervene and find lasting solutions to the problem, while rebuilding trust and peaceful relations between farmers and herders. Maibiredi stressed the urgency of the situation, especially with the harvest period approaching.
In response to Maibiredi's concerns, the Kano State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, acknowledged the potential risks. Bakoji mentioned that an additional challenge this year is the expected return of transhumant herders from Niger to Kano before farmers have completed harvesting their crops. He attributed the early return to water shortages in Niger, which could increase the risk of clashes between farmers and herders.
Bakoji revealed that MACBAN has already warned its members about the situation and sent reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa state governments, as well as security agencies. He identified the closure or illegal occupation of cattle routes, grazing areas, and livestock resting points as contributing factors to the dispute. Bakoji emphasized that MACBAN is willing to engage with relevant stakeholders to find a solution to the problem.
The conflict between farmers and herders has persisted in parts of Nigeria for years, sometimes resulting in deaths and destruction of property. However, the situation has relatively improved in Kano in recent years. The concerns raised by Maibiredi and Bakoji highlight the need for urgent attention to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
The Kano State government and security agencies are expected to take preventive measures to address the concerns raised by MACBAN and AFAN. The stakeholders are calling for a collaborative effort to find a lasting solution to the problem, ensuring peaceful relations between farmers and herders. The situation remains a pressing concern, especially with the harvest season approaching.
The development has sparked fears of a potential resurgence of violence in the region, with farmers and herders being key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The conflict has significant implications for food security, economic growth, and social stability in Nigeria.
Key points
- The conflict between farmers and herders in Kano is attributed to factors such as the closure or illegal occupation of cattle routes, grazing areas, and livestock resting points.
- The early return of transhumant herders from Niger to Kano due to water shortages is expected to increase the risk of clashes between farmers and herders.
- The Kano State government and security agencies have been urged to take preventive measures to address the concerns raised by MACBAN and AFAN.
