SPRiNG hosts workshop on Stock Routes, Grazing Reserves in Nigeria

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has put together a workshop on farming and pastoral practices and how to validate its recent study on stock routes and grazing reserves in the country. SPRiNG a UK-funded initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the North-West and North-Central regions, said the gathering was […]

The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has put together a workshop on farming and pastoral practices and how to validate its recent study on stock routes and grazing reserves in the country.

SPRiNG a UK-funded initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the North-West and North-Central regions, said the gathering was aimed at reviewing their findings and recommendations to enhance the productivity of agriculture and livestock production and promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists.

Speaking at the event, Mr. William Robson, Head of Governance and Stability Block, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office-BHC, Abuja, stated that they will work to improve capability, accountability and inclusivity of security actors and conflict resolution mechanisms for Nigerian security.

Willam said working together all stakeholders can tackle the challenges of organised crime, cyber threats, terrorism, irregular migration, while reducing the cycle of contracted humanitarian crises.

He also noted that the their study about grazing Reserves, Stock Routes, and Pastoral Resources revealed that most grazing reserves are non-functional, poorly demarcated, or overtaken by farming and human settlements, others are unrecognised or blocked.

Some of the challenges, the stakeholders said were that “Essential water points and veterinary services have deteriorated. Institutional overlaps and limited coordination across federal and state levels have negatively impacted on land and natural resource management.

Also while providing feedback to reports, stakeholders emphasised the need for practical reforms: digitising and updating land records, revitalising and securing grazing infrastructure, enabling dialogue between communities, and strengthening institutional frameworks for inclusive, conflict-sensitive planning.

The workshop had in attendance government officials, civil society leaders, farmers and pastoral associations and international development partners.

Participants at the workshop looked at farming practices, pastoral practices and the state of grazing reserves and stock routes.

The Farmer Study underscored the struggles faced by smallholder farmers from increasing conflict with herders to land tenure insecurity, climate-related pressures, and declining yields.

They said farming practices have not taken advantage of climate smart innovations despite demographic changes. With the country producing less food, there is growing food security challenges and the need to cultivate more land is contributing to conflict between farmers and herders.

Mohammed Bello Tukur, Secretary General of a Pan-African pastoralists organisation, the Confederation of Traditional Livestock Breeders Organisation (CORET), emphasised the role of traditional rulers in sustaining peace in communities.

“Traditional leaders should have a defined role in justice administration and be empowered to operate without undue interference. To truly promote peace, we must speak truthfully to the government and ensure they understand the realities on the ground,” he said.