Miyetti Allah Explains Why Herders Still Do Open Grazing Despite Bans
The National Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Bello Aliyu Gotomo, has explained why open grazing continues across the country despite bans and repeated government interventions, stressing that the practice cannot end abruptly due to deep-rooted cultural traditions, economic realities, and gaps in policy implementation.
Gotomo noted that pastoralism remains the primary livelihood for millions of Fulani herders and has been practiced for centuries as both an economic necessity and a cultural identity.
He argued that forcing herders to abandon open grazing without providing practical alternatives such as ranches, grazing reserves, or adequate support infrastructure would only heighten tensions.
According to him, ranching, often promoted as the alternative to open grazing, is a capital-intensive venture requiring secured land, fencing, feedlots, veterinary services, and access to water — all of which are beyond the financial capacity of smallholder herders.
“Survival is not optional. If there are no viable alternatives, herders will continue moving with their cattle,” he stated.
He further criticized the enforcement of anti-open-grazing laws in some states, saying most of them have failed to provide the necessary infrastructure or support systems to ease the transition.
“Policies must be practical. Legislation alone cannot end open grazing,” Gotomo emphasized.
The MACBAN scribe also linked the persistence of insecurity to the lack of structured solutions, noting that criminal elements often exploit farmer-herder tensions.
He called for dialogue among herders, farmers, traditional leaders, and government authorities to address the root causes of conflicts rather than relying solely on bans.
While many southern governors insist that prohibiting open grazing is necessary to protect farmland and reduce violence, herders’ associations and some livestock experts advocate for a phased approach that combines legislation with investment in ranch development, credit facilities, and properly designated grazing routes.
Security analysts have recommended a multi-layered strategy: tackling banditry and cattle rustling in the short term, developing grazing corridors and reserves in the medium term, and transitioning pastoralists into modern livestock management systems over the long term.
Gotomo’s remarks highlight the complexity of Nigeria’s open grazing debate, underscoring that the issue is not just about lawmaking but about managing a social and economic transformation that requires planning, funding, and patience.
