Zero Grazing Will End Farmers-Herders Crisis In Nigeria – Experts

Ibadan - Agricultural experts have called for an end to nomadic farming in Nigeria noting that zero grazing is a better alternative which will put an end to the farmers-herdsmen crisis in the country.

The experts, during a weeklong forum held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) in Ibadan, trained participants including local dairy farmers on the need to improve production of dairy products like milk, cheese, and beef by employing affordable best practices.

They faulted the current trend of nomadic cattle rearing in the country. According to the experts, the stress of nomadic farming reduces the efficiency of nutrition from the cattle.

A dairy specialist, Atinuke Akinyemi, while addressing the participants said if zero-grazing is adopted, it will improve the income of the farmers and boost the nutritive value of the dairy products.

“All the violence we are experiencing in Nigeria as a result of grazing could be eliminated with zero grazing and if the herders and the farmers are properly trained. The art of confining the cattle and providing nutritious pasture for them all year round is what we are training the herders to do.

”We work with the farmers because it is easier to get results when we explain to them in local languages. We have had enough of the science in the classrooms. Enough of the theories in the universities, we are here to ensure the training percolate to all,” Akinyemi told journalists at the end of the training.

The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, who was represented by his deputy, Michael Deelen, at the event said it is time the Nigerian government optimise the nutritional value of dairy products produced in the country.

Deelen added that the government should also increase support for farmers.

“It’s not enough to buy the cows, we have to feed and take care of them, that is crucial in this whole ecosystem,” he said.

Other participants at the event called on the government to the give attention to dairy farming by providing enablers to encourage farmers to embrace the new trend of ranching without moving the cattle from one location to another.
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/08/13/zero-grazing-will-end-farmers-herders-crisis-in-nigeria-experts/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=ChannelsTv&utm_campaign=SNAP%2Bfrom%2BChannels+Television

An excuse to for the creation of cattle ranches ! Say no to cattle ranching!