The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has expressed deep concern over the recurring farmer-herder clashes, emphasizing the urgent need for a solution.
He disclosed this during his inaugural meeting with the ministry’s stakeholders upon assuming his new duty as minister on Monday in Abuja.
“The incidents of farmer-herder clashes are very serious concerns which have led to loss of lives and property,” Maiha stated.
Maiha attributed the conflict to a “push-and-pull” factor, where cattle are driven out of areas lacking grass and water, leading them to migrate to other areas and potentially encroach on farmland.
“Concerning the push factor, animals generally survive on grass and water. In a place where these two are absent, the push factor drives cattle out of that ecosystem or environment,” he explained.
To address this, the ministry has gathered extensive data on livestock infrastructure, aiming to improve facilities and reduce the need for constant movement.
“Our approach will guide efforts to improve facilities and make them more attractive to herders, reducing the need for constant movement,” said Maiha.
The minister emphasized the importance of support from executive governors, local governments, and communities in achieving the ministry’s goals.
“We want to build a model where there will be no basic difference between the civil centers and grazing reserves,” he added.
The minister’s plan aligns with the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms, chaired by Professor Attahiru Jega, aiming to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
By addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting livestock development, the ministry hopes to reduce tensions and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.