Climate Change worsens farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized that climate change significantly contributes to farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on this issue, Abbas highlighted the need to modernize farming and herding practices to address these challenges. He noted that outdated methods exacerbate conflicts and stressed the importance of adopting global farming trends. Abbas also mentioned the limitations imposed by the Land Use Act and the importance of collaboration between state and federal governments. He called for a transition to more sustainable practices, including ranching and smart agriculture, to resolve the ongoing crisis. Other speakers at the forum echoed the need for multifaceted, collaborative solutions to address the far-reaching impacts of climate change and conflicts in the region.
Source: Vanguard

Our Review
The recent discourse on climate change as a key contributor to farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria, highlighted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, underscores the urgent need to modernize agricultural practices. Climate change is exacerbating competition for diminishing resources, leading to increased conflicts and threatening food security. The outdated herding and farming methods are no longer viable in the face of these challenges, and the adoption of global best practices, such as ranching and smart agriculture, is critical.
The establishment of a Ministry of Livestock by the Tinubu administration is a promising step towards a coordinated approach in addressing animal husbandry standards. However, the limitations imposed by the Land Use Act necessitate collaboration between state and federal governments to effectively implement these changes.
To foster growth and make informed decisions, stakeholders must commit to transitioning from traditional to modern agricultural practices. This transition will not only mitigate conflicts but also enhance productivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The collective effort from government, farmers, and herders is essential for a peaceful and prosperous future.