Yemi Olakitan
Farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria are a longstanding and complex issue, fueled by various factors. At its core, the conflict revolves around access to land and resources between mostly Muslim Fulani herders and mostly Christian non-Fulani farmers.
The clashes have their roots in pre-colonial times, but the situation has deteriorated significantly since the return of democracy in 1999. The British colonial era’s “burti” system, which designated specific migration routes for herders, collapsed in the 1970s, leading to increased conflicts.
Some of the major causes of the conflicts are as a result of Increasing rural population which has led to the expansion of cultivated land, encroaching on traditional grazing areas. Pastoralists feel their rights to resources are being ignored, and they’re being excluded from land use decisions. The frequency and magnitude of livestock theft have also increased, leading to armed conflicts.
The clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths, displacement of communities, and significant economic losses. Recent attacks have been reported in various states, including Plateau, Benue, and Adamawa. The Nigerian government has attempted to address the issue through initiatives like the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements, but these efforts have been met with criticism and resistance.
The Fulani people are the world’s largest nomadic group with over 15 million people accessing West Africa, according to reports. They have graced lands in arid around the Sahel regions of West Africa for several years.
However, after recurrent droughts in the arid Sahel regions, Fulani herders gradually moved southwards to the Guinea savanna and the tropical forest areas, resulting in competition for grazing routes with farmers who are the original settlers in those lands.
Fulani herdsmen started migrating into northern Nigeria from the Senegambia region around the thirteenth or fourteenth century. After the Uthman dan Fodio jihad, the Fulani became integrated into the Hausa culture of Northern Nigeria. During the dry season, Fulani herdsmen drive their cattle into the Middle Belt zone dominated by non-Hausa groups, only returning to the north before the rainy season. During grazing, the destruction of crops and farmland occurs, hence becoming a source of conflict. While the conflict has underlying economic and environmental reasons, it has also acquired religious and ethnic dimensions. Thousands of people have died as a result of the conflict.
Therefore, in a bid to address the persistent issue of banditry and Fulani-herder conflicts, the Nigerian Senate recently urged the Federal Government to fund the establishment of modern ranches across the country. This recent move aims to improve safety and economic productivity for herders and residents. The call was made during a deliberation on a motion of urgent national importance, presented by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro. The motion highlighted the recent attacks in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, which resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of people.
Senator Seriake Dickson emphasized the need for federally funded modern ranches, describing ranching as a sustainable solution to the herdsmen crisis. He proposed a collaborative approach involving the Senate Committees on Agriculture and National Security to develop a nationwide ranching framework.
The Senate also resolved to enact a law to define the limits of economic activities under the ECOWAS treaty. Additionally, they called for the establishment of a joint police and military task force to prevent further killings and requested relief materials for displaced victims. This development comes as the Senate continues to grapple with the issue of banditry, which has plagued several states in the country. The call for modern ranches is a step towards addressing the root causes of the conflict between herders and local communities.
The cause of the problem
The current status of the ranching initiative in Nigeria is tied to the country’s efforts to develop its livestock sector. In July 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the development of a livestock master plan, which aims to guide the development of the country’s livestock sector.
This initiative is expected to improve the productivity and resilience of Nigeria’s livestock sector. However, the success of modern ranching in Nigeria has been historically limited. Despite government incentives and investments, commercial ranching schemes have failed to deliver anticipated benefits, including increased milk and meat production, and economic growth.
It’s worth noting that some organizations, like the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, are working to improve agricultural productivity and resilience in Nigeria, including supporting livestock producersUnlike Nigeria, modern ranches in Europe are a fusion of traditional architecture and contemporary design.
One can find luxurious farm ranches and equestrian properties in various European countries, offering a unique blend of rural charm and modern amenities. This is what Nigeria must emulate and abandon the archaic, nomadic culture of the Fulani herdsmen. It is this nomadic culture that has contributed to incessant clashes between herders and farmers in the country. This is because herders often lead their cows to feed on farmlands belonging to farmers who have invested huge sums of money in their farms.
Companies like HUF HAUS are pioneering modern ranch design in Europe, combining sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and innovative architecture. Their designs feature expansive glass surfaces, post-and-beam construction, and a focus on natural light and ventilation are a great example to Nigerians. Many modern ranches incorporate eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood and low-carbon insulation. These properties often feature advanced insulation, triple-glazed windows, and renewable energy systems.
Modern ranches in Europe often showcase unique, contemporary designs that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Many of these properties offer high-end features, such as private cinemas, indoor pools, and gourmet kitchens. The farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria are a complex issue with multiple causes. Changes in climate patterns have led to droughts and desertification, forcing herders to migrate southward in search of greener pastures, resulting in conflicts with farmers.
Overgrazing and soil erosion have reduced the availability of fertile land, exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders. Farmers and herders compete for access to land, water, and other resources, leading to conflicts. Historical and cultural differences between farming and herding communities have created tensions, which are often exacerbated by political and economic factors.
Many herders and farmers live in poverty, and the lack of economic opportunities contributes to the conflicts. The failure of institutions, such as the police and judiciary, to address the conflicts and provide justice has contributed to the escalation of violence.
The absence of a clear policy framework to address the conflicts and provide support to farmers and herders has exacerbated the situation. Politicians often exploit the conflicts for personal gain, further fueling the violence. Nigeria’s rapid population growth has put pressure on land and resources, contributing to the conflicts.The movement of people from rural to urban areas has led to the displacement of traditional herding routes and grazing areas, resulting in conflicts. Addressing these complex and interconnected factors will require a comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and local communities.
Countries that have successfully adopted modern ranching practices instead of the nomadic culture of rearing cows include Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United States. These countries have implemented innovative methods to manage their livestock, reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
In these countries, ranching is practiced with perimeter fencing, allowing for more controlled and sustainable livestock management. This approach has encouraged regional livestock rearing and reduced clashes between nomads and farmers.
What Nigeria can learn
Nigeria can learn from these countries by adopting similar modern ranching practices. This could involve:
Establishing grazing reserves and designating specific areas for grazing, as seen in countries like Australia and South Africa, which can help reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
Implementing perimeter fencing: Fencing in ranches can help control the movement of livestock and reduce the risk of conflicts with farmers.
Promoting regional livestock rearing Encouraging regional livestock rearing can help reduce the need for nomadic migration and promote more sustainable livestock management practices.
Developing dispute resolution mechanisms: Establishing effective mechanisms can help address conflicts between farmers and herders, reducing the risk of violence and promoting more peaceful coexistence.
By adopting these modern ranching practices, Nigeria can reduce conflicts between farmers and herders, promote more sustainable livestock management, and improve the overall livelihoods of rural communities.
