FCT headers sensitise members on grazing ethics

Herders from the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding states gathered in Tafa, Kaduna State, for a program aimed at promoting responsible grazing practices. The event, held on Sunday, sought to foster peaceful coexistence between herders and farming communities.

Resource speaker Zakariyya Muazu emphasized the importance of ceasing night grazing and discouraging the use of underage children for herding. Muazu argued that these practices could reduce conflicts, as children lack the necessary skills to control cattle effectively. Moreover, he warned that involving children in herding could lead to drug abuse due to the isolated nature of their work in the bush.

Haruna Ahmad Bunkau, the Ardo of Fulani in Tafa, echoed the call for adult supervision, advocating for literate adults to take charge of cattle-rearing duties. Bunkau also encouraged herders to adopt modern livestock-rearing methods by securing land and investing in ranching instead of traditional grazing methods.

Ibrahim Mamman, a herder from Gurara in Niger State, proposed the expansion of existing cattle routes to areas with access to water sources, such as rivers. He lamented the loss of cattle to chemical spraying on grazing sites, attributing the issue to conflicts arising when animals stray into farmers' fields during grazing.