The Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, has called on pastoralists to adopt modern livestock management techniques, moving away from the traditional practice of roaming with cattle in search of pasture, a habit that frequently leads to disputes with farmers.
During a Sallah homage at his palace in Jalingo on Sunday, the emir emphasized that contemporary livestock practices not only yield higher profits but also boost animal and milk production while alleviating tensions between agriculturalists and herders.
“Grazing lands are dwindling due to the surge in population and subsequent development, which has transformed available lands into farms or urban areas,” the emir explained.
“Farmers and urban developers are in constant need of more land, further shrinking the space available for grazing,” he added.
Showing the importance of ranching, the emir pointed to it as a crucial element of modern livestock production, which could help resolve farmer-herder conflicts and enhance national beef and milk production.
He urged herders to embrace these advanced livestock practices and called on governments at all levels to facilitate the creation of ranches and settlement schemes for pastoral communities.
“Adopting modern livestock production methods is essential to resolve the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders,” the emir asserted.
“The intense competition for land necessitates a shift from traditional practices to innovative, modern approaches,” he concluded.
Victoria Ibiama
