"Pastoralists that inhabit grazing reserves have to be known" - Miyetti Allah Insists

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the Federal Government to update the nation's livestock population data. This initiative aims to enhance the management and development of the livestock industry, addressing longstanding challenges and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Source: Premium Times Nigeria

Aliyu Gotomo, the National Secretary of MACBAN, emphasized the importance of accurate data during a recent interview. He highlighted that outdated livestock census figures hinder effective planning and resource allocation. "Proper livestock data is required. The pastoralists that inhabit particular grazing reserves have to be known," Gotomo stated. 

This call for updated data aligns with the Federal Government's recent efforts to digitize grazing reserves nationwide. The government has identified 417 reserves, both gazetted and non-gazetted, covering over five million hectares. Plans are underway to equip these reserves with essential infrastructure, including feed and fodder resources, water facilities, veterinary clinics, and schools for herders' families. 

Gotomo also addressed challenges such as encroachment on grazing lands and the need for improved infrastructure. He noted that digitizing grazing reserves would facilitate better management and prevent herders from straying onto farmlands. "With digitization, we are not going to enter anybody’s farm. We know our routes, we know our grazing land," he assured. 

However, the initiative has sparked debates, particularly concerning the enforcement of open grazing bans in parts of Southern Nigeria. While MACBAN views such bans as ineffective and calls for their amendment, groups like Afenifere maintain that open grazing is outdated and advocate for ranching as the sustainable path forward. 

As Nigeria stands at this crossroads, the push for updated livestock data and the digitization of grazing reserves represent significant steps toward modernizing the livestock sector. These efforts aim to balance the needs of pastoralists and farming communities, fostering a more harmonious and productive agricultural landscape.