Nigeria to establish modern ranching settlements to end farmer-herder clashes

The Nigerian federal government has finalized plans to establish modern ranching settlements in six key areas to mitigate recurring clashes between crop farmers and herders. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, identified Adamawa, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as priority locations for this intervention.

As part of the National Ranching Policy, the government has identified 417 grazing reserves nationwide and launched a pilot scheme in Plateau State to test a new livestock production model. This model aims to reduce cattle movement, which the ministry describes as “crisis-prone” due to the disappearance of traditional grazing routes caused by urbanisation, infrastructure demand, and farm expansion.

To facilitate the transition from nomadic production to ranching, the ministry has engaged approximately 34 organisations. This includes consultations with pastoralist leaders, such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, with further discussions scheduled to secure community support.