Innovative cattle management models will solve herdsmen-farmers’ clashes

A group of Nigerian students on doctoral and other postgraduate research courses at the Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands have developed a ranching model which aims to resolve the recurring clashes between herdsmen and farmers in several parts of the country through what they call an ‘agri-tourism’ facility.

In a presentation on behalf of the group, Abiodun Jegede, a doctoral candidate in Environmental Technology, said the establishment of cattle colony was not feasible unless the root cause of the problem was addressed comprehensively and sustainably, “implying that a ranch business model that caters to the basic needs of the herdsmen and the herd must be thoroughly implemented”.

The presentation, which was made at Wageningen before a Dutch delegation from Nigeria led by the Robert Petri, the Netherlands ambassador to Nigeria, aims to develop a business model known as agri-tourism which is meant to provide a sustainable ranching system to help the Fulani community and all other stakeholders interested in cattle business to properly integrate with the global society so as to ensure peaceful coexistence as a nation.

The group expects to achieve this by addressing a number of questions on: how climate change impact can be reversed; how water and feed can be provided abundantly; how a circular economy can be maintained within the ranch; and how the cherished nomad philosophy of the Fulani can be preserved.

This approach, the group believes, will not only contribute to ending the herdsmen-farmers’ clashes and improve the livestock industry in Nigeria but will also help to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and contribute to powering rural communities.

It further believes that the application of scientific studies, integration of all major stakeholders and implementation of a sustainable business model will to deliver a ranching system that will be acceptable to both farmers and herdsmen.

If successfully implemented, the ranch will provide products such as milk, meat, and services such as grazing, orchard/non-wildlife tours, school tours, recreational harvest, sport, eco-tainment, horse racing, rural home stay, etc. In addition, net electricity produced from anaerobic digestion of the cattle manure could be sold to the grid to earn additional revenue.

“We are building a model that treats agriculture as a viable business rather than as a tool for social and political exploits. We are optimistic that our model which aims to address water, feed, energy and environmental issues will be a sustainable solution. Agritourism is an added value to the model; it will generate a lot of revenue for Nigeria, mitigate climate change and preserve our ecosystem,” said Onu Ekpa, a doctoral candidate in Food Quality and Design and a member of the group.

CALEB OJEWALE

The writer can be reached via caleb.ojewale@ businessdayonline.com or +2348026689139