The Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance at the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nwokedi Onu, has strongly condemned the practice of open grazing and the movement of cattle along streets and roads in the state.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Umuahia, Dr. Onu expressed deep concern over the destruction of farmlands and crops by roaming cattle, an issue that continues to fuel herder-farmer clashes across Abia State and the country at large.
“It is an unfunny situation,” he said. “Owners of cattle are supposed to confine them in ranches or enclosures with proper pasture management, or feed them with cut forage or grains. But instead, we see them roaming about, destroying farmlands. This is not acceptable.”
He highlighted the negative impact of this practice on food security, questioning how the nation could address hunger and rising food costs when crops meant to feed the population are routinely destroyed by livestock.
Dr. Onu also emphasized the public health risks posed by open grazing, noting that cattle often urinate and defecate in open areas, including near water sources. “When it rains, runoff washes this waste into streams and rivers from which people downstream may fetch water. Sometimes, the animals enter these water bodies to drink and defecate, contaminating them and endangering human health.”
Beyond health concerns, he pointed out the environmental damage caused by the hooves of grazing cattle. “They loosen the soil, increasing erosion. When the topsoil is lost, essential nutrients are washed away, reducing land productivity.”
Addressing the proposed RUGA initiative of the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Dr. Onu acknowledged that while it could have provided a solution to open grazing, it raised concerns over land ownership and control.
He recounted a visit by federal delegates who suggested the scheme be operated by state governments with funding from the federal level an idea that was ultimately rejected by the federal authorities.
Also speaking, Mr. Victor Nnaemeka Obasi, a Director in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, joined in condemning open grazing. He described it as a major contributor to the escalating conflict between farmers and herders.
“Animals should be confined to a particular location where forage is provided for them,” Obasi said. “It is unacceptable for a herder’s cattle to destroy the farm produce someone has spent time and resources cultivating. When this happens, the psychological and financial impact can be devastating.”
While he acknowledged the potential benefits of the RUGA initiative, Obasi also expressed concerns that its implementation could have led to land grabbing by external interests.
Furthermore, both officials called for urgent action to end open grazing, citing its numerous dangers and the need to protect farmers, public health, and the environment.
