The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano State chapter, Abdullahi Ali Maibiredi, has raised concerns about a possible escalation of disputes between farmers and herders as the harvest season approaches.
In an interview, Maibiredi said the long-running problem has led to crop losses, property damage, and occasional clashes over the years. He noted that a lasting solution has remained elusive despite the effects on farming livelihoods.
“I personally lost about 85 per cent of my crops last year, yet I did not see the necessary action taken to address the problem,” Maibiredi said. He urged authorities to intervene promptly, rebuild trust, and promote peaceful relations before the situation worsens during harvest.
Responding, the Kano State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, said the association has already cautioned its members. He highlighted an added risk this year: the expected earlier return of transhumant herders from Niger Republic while crops are still being harvested.
RELATED 〉Why Food Prices Remain High in Nigeria Despite Higher Production – Agriculture Minister Explain
APC Candidate Shittu Abdulfatah Outlines Education and Girl-Child Support Plans for Ogbomoso North
Tinubu Always Considers Nigerians Opinions Before Deciding – Minister Idris
In previous seasons, these herders typically arrived after harvest. This year, water shortages in Niger are driving an earlier movement, increasing the chance of contact with standing crops, Bakoji explained. MACBAN has submitted reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa state governments and security agencies calling for preventive measures.
Bakoji also pointed to the closure or illegal occupation of traditional cattle routes, grazing areas, and livestock resting points as contributing factors. He called on government to address these issues urgently and said MACBAN remains ready to engage stakeholders in search of solutions.
Farmer-herder tensions have affected parts of Nigeria for years, sometimes resulting in loss of life and property. Kano has seen relative improvement in recent periods compared with more severe flashpoints elsewhere. Sustaining that progress will depend on timely action around routes, water and pasture access, early dialogue, and coordinated security presence during the critical harvest and migration window.
Both sides are calling for practical steps—restoring designated routes where feasible, better communication between communities, and proactive government and security engagement—so that farmers can harvest safely and herders can move their livestock without unnecessary conflict.
Post a Comment