A one-day sensitisation programme was held in Tafa, a community along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, to promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farming communities. The event, which drew herders from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states of Niger, Kaduna, and Nasarawa, aimed to educate them on responsible grazing practices. Organized by Media Trust, the programme featured resource persons who shared insights on modern livestock-rearing methods.
Zakariyya Muazu, one of the resource persons, emphasized the need for herders to abandon night grazing and the use of underage children to herd cattle. According to Muazu, these practices often lead to clashes between herders and crop farmers. He noted that children lack the capacity to control cattle effectively, and sending them to herd animals deprives them of access to education. This, in turn, exposes them to drug abuse due to the isolated nature of their work in the bush.
The Ardo of Fulani in Tafa community, Haruna Ahmad Bunkau, also spoke at the event, urging herders to assign cattle-rearing duties to literate adults rather than underage children or uneducated persons. He encouraged herders to adopt modern livestock-rearing methods by acquiring land and investing in ranching. This approach, Bunkau believes, will help reduce conflicts between herders and farmers, promoting peaceful coexistence.
Ibrahim Mamman, a herder from Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, called for the expansion of existing cattle routes around rural communities, particularly those leading to rivers and other water sources. He expressed concern that herders are losing cattle to chemical spraying on grazing sites, which often results from conflicts that arise when animals stray into farms during grazing.
The sensitisation programme also highlighted the benefits of responsible grazing practices, including reduced conflicts, improved livestock productivity, and enhanced economic opportunities for herders. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of community and cooperation among herders from different states.
The event in Tafa is part of a broader effort to promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farming communities in Nigeria. By educating herders on responsible grazing practices, organizers hope to reduce conflicts and improve livelihoods. The programme also provided a platform for herders to engage with experts and share knowledge on modern livestock-rearing methods.
The adoption of responsible grazing practices is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and social relations in rural communities. As herders begin to implement these practices, it is hoped that conflicts will decrease, and herders will enjoy improved livelihoods. The Media Trust initiative aims to continue supporting herders and farming communities in their efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable livelihoods.
Key points
- Herders urged to adopt responsible grazing practices to promote peaceful coexistence with farming communities.
- Use of underage children to herd cattle discouraged due to risks of accidents, drug abuse, and deprivation of education.
- Expansion of cattle routes and adoption of modern livestock-rearing methods recommended to reduce conflicts and improve livestock productivity.
