A University Don, Prof. John Tyavbee Ajai of the Taraba State University, Jalingo, has called on president Bola Tinubu to turndown a section of recommendation by the Presidential Livestock Reforms
Implementation Committee.
Ajai, a professor of Mathematics in an open letter to the president dated, 24.Sep. 2024, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Jalingo, insisted that the recommendation of the committee that open grazing be permitted to continue for another decade would rather deepen farmers/herders division.
According to the university Don, the situation will heighten the risk of violent clashes and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, destabilised local economy and jeopardise the nation’s food security.
Ajai who commended however that the establishment of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee was a testament to president Tinubu’s government commitment to resolving the farmers/herders crisis, expressed that the growing population and the competition for land and water resources is a clear indication that time has come to transite from Open Grazing to a modern global best practice of livestock business.
“Your Excellency, your dedication to fostering peace, security and development is deeply appreciated by all well-meaning Nigerians. However, I feel compelled to respectfully bring to your attention a matter of great concern regarding the Committee’s recommendation that open grazing be permitted to continue for another decade.
“With all due respect, I am gravely
concerned that this approach may inadvertently prolong the conflicts and tensions that have been so destructive to our agricultural communities, particularly in regions like mine”.
The professor lamented the devastating effects of farmers herders clashes in his immediate community in Gwer-West Local Government area of Benue State, and appealed to the president to adopt the modern global best practice of livestock business to save the future of Nigeria Agriculture economy.
“Over the past decade, the unchecked movement of armed herders has resulted in
significant loss of lives and the displacement of countless families. Farmers in my community have been deprived of their land and livelihoods, rendering them vulnerable to both violence and economic hardship. Considering the aforementioned challenges, I wish to state with deep fear of reality that the continuation of open grazing will only deepen divisions between farmers and herders, heighten the risk of violent clashes and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
“The consequences of open grazing such as crop destruction, loss of farmland are no longer sustainable. If the practice
is allowed to continue, it will undermine efforts to foster reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in affected regions.
“I wish to note here that as a nation, we must pursue more forward-thinking, sustainable solutions that safeguard the interests of both farmers and herders without perpetuating cycles of conflict”.
While calling for Sustainable Livestock Management, professor Ajai said Nigeria stands at a critical juncture that every decision taken today will shape the future of the country’s agric economy and the peaceful coexistence of the Nation’s diverse communities.
The university don urges president Tinubu to invest in modern and sustainable livestock management practices, such as ranching and other controlled systems of livestock farming for a balance solution, since the practice promises not only to reduce conflict but also to enhance livestock production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to rural development.
