BRIDGING THE NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE: THE CASE FOR RANCHING TO RESOLVE AGRICULTURAL CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA
The growing divide between Northern and Southern Nigeria is fueled by escalating tensions rooted in agricultural conflicts involving individuals and groups across the country. This dangerous trend must be halted to preserve the fragile peace that has existed among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups since independence in 1960. Cattle rearing, a significant aspect of animal husbandry, is predominantly practiced by peasant farmers and businesspeople in Northern Nigeria. While cattle rearing occurs in other regions, the scale of the trade is far greater in the North. The Fulani nomads, primarily among the Hausa, dominate this sector, moving their herds across the country in search of quality grazing land. Unfortunately, as these animals roam, they often stray into farmlands, consuming and destroying crops. This destruction has frequently sparked violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen, sometimes resulting in fatalities among those directly or indirectly involved. Some have proposed desig...