₦airaland Forum

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It is no news that the incessant killings arising from farmers – herdsmen clashes in different states in Nigeria are unwarranted headlines proliferating major newspapers in the country, invasions on farms and households dominates the rural areas that are primarily responsible in feeding the entire nation through cultivation of crops, just recently a massacre of not less than 800 people in Southern Kaduna as reported, typified the turmoil currently witnessed in the rural communities, even after fervent intervention on the part of the government to arrest the immoral acts it is likely not to abate completely unless a sustainable option is sought to address the problem.

According to FAO, Nigeria ranks amongst 39 countries currently in need of external food supplies as a result of prevalent conflicts and other factors ranging from weather, civil crisis and insecurities, and then it is obviously germane to seek this sustainable option timely to avert further economic turmoil.

What is the sustainable option if you ask me? The government in her own buoyancy and might as often advocated for the establishment of Grazing reserves to address the ailing crises capable of causing ethnical rancour, though the strategy sounds promising on the short term to prevent reprisal attacks, but is it a sustainable one for a country that seeks to revitalize its dwindling economy via agriculture where crop production is supposed to play a pivotal role? In the light of urbanization and civilization plots of land are due to be competed for between Real Estates investors and prospective crop farmers and then, will the government still be able to unequivocally hold – on to the grazing reserves? Perhaps that’s an argument for another day.

Introducing The Feedlot system as a sustainable option – in understanding the feedlot system it is imperative to lucidly outline its intrinsic difference and comparative advantages with the Nomadic system.

Nomadic -Animals roam about in search of feed (Pastures and Roughage) under the watch of herdsmen.

Feedlot - zero or minimum grazing

Nomadic - Little or no professional care for the animals

Feedlot - Intensive care for animals.

Nomadic - Economic dynamics of production not clearly defined.

Feedlot - Economics of production are monitored.

Nomadic -Because of Shortage of roughage and water during the dry season migration is inevitable and consequentially impedes production.

Feedlot -Animals are catered for during the dry season, with silage/haylage and/or supplementary concentrates.

Nomadic - Production time frame not clearly defined and determined.

Feedlot - Clearly defined production period (90days), consequentially promotes rapid turnover of invested funds.

Furthermore, animals raised under the Feedlot system have been also proven to produce better carcass quality as compared to animals raised under the nomadic system this tracing to the build-up of lactate in the animals having been subjected to stress during the course of roaming around in their quest to quench hunger and thirst hence, affecting the organoleptic properties of the carcass.

In 2014, the cattle population in Nigeria was statistically estimated to be around 19.4 million and 90% of these cattle are reared under nomadic system concentrated in the northern region, and about 80% of these cattle population are eventually migrated to the Southern part of the country where it is perceived to have better market appeal, obviously the animals will require feed and water during the course of their migration, then can we totally blame the Nomads that travels miles down South to help provide well cherished menu as demanded in the South?

In the light of the aforementioned distinctions between the Feedlot system and the Nomadic system it is the aim of this article to elucidate how the former can best be encouraged among existing and prospective farmers to help salvage the looming crisis by unburdening the enormous demand placed on the shoulders of an average Fulani man. Hence, filling the void of the ever increasing demand for beef and related ruminant products and how well can the numerous investment opportunities be harnessed in this sector if all the shortcomings can be better managed? It is my guess you already know.


Odetunde Temitope (Ruminant Nutritionist)

Hi there, pls am thinking of changing my car to Honda but am a lil bit scared coz of this persistent complaint people give regarding the wheels/shaft being a problem. Can som1 convince ne otherwise.

Hey bro, this topic is forreal its perhaps the next big thing, am pleased to tell you am professional in this field and i strongly belive your view.