Benue State and Cattle: From Conflict to Shared Prosperity
“When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their father’s estate.” This African proverb warns of the peril facing farmers and pastoralists in Benue state. There was a time when the relationship between the Tiv and Fulani was remembered as much through humour as through conflict. Among the older generation in the North, the […]
In the Benue state of Nigeria, there has been a historical conflict between farmers and pastoralists regarding the relationship between cattle and land. This conflict has resulted in destruction of villages, loss of livestock, and loss of life for both communities. The situation is tragic because it is avoidable and can be resolved through science, justice and practical policy.
Benue is strategically important for livestock in Nigeria, being a principal dry-season destination for cattle moving south from the Sahel. The state has designed grazing reserves and major transhumance routes connecting with ECOWAS livestock markets. Benue also plays a veterinary role in controlling transboundary animal diseases.
The Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, has been difficult to implement, leading to unintended consequences that have heightened tensions. The Netherlands, despite having a smaller land area than Benue, has become a global leader in livestock production through science, technology, and efficient systems.
Benue has the potential to become West Africa's leading hub for beef finishing and livestock processing with the right investments.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Trust's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
