The federal government has announced a sweeping plan to modernise livestock farming to ease tensions between herders and farmers. Under this initiative, Nigeria is set to transition away from traditional open-grazing, placing greater emphasis on structured ranching and mechanised livestock operations.
The government explained that the new strategy will include the establishment of large-scale ranches, improved pasture management, access to quality animal feed and veterinary services, and overall better regulation of livestock production. According to the plan, these changes are expected to reduce competition over land and water, which are the root causes of many violent farmer–herder encounters. As the government puts it: “We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry.”
Historically, the conflict between farmers and herders has had a devastating impact on rural communities, food production, and national economic stability. Studies indicate that violence and insecurity consistently disrupt both crop and livestock farming, leading to a decline in agricultural output across affected regions.
Moreover, these clashes have forced many farmers to abandon their lands and herders to lose their cattle, undermining livelihoods, deepening poverty, and driving food prices upward.
Looking ahead, the government says this livestock-sector overhaul will not only help restore peace but also make animal farming more profitable, efficient, and sustainable. The planned measures, from better feed and veterinary care to improved land use and ranch facilities, reflect lessons from other parts of the world, where modernised livestock systems help reduce conflict, increase output, and support stable incomes.
Still, analysts warn that success depends on the effective implementation of the plan. Key challenges remain: ensuring that ranches and grazing reserves are properly managed, that herders and farmers buy into the scheme, and that the infrastructure (feed supply, veterinary services, storage, and transport) is scaled up.
If well-executed, this shift could transform Nigeria’s pastoral economy. It would reduce violent clashes, stabilise food supply and prices, and restore confidence among rural producers, while also making livestock farming more sustainable and profitable over the long term.
A modernised livestock sector could significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP contribution from animal farming, presently valued at about US$32 billion. By reducing losses from conflict, improving productivity, and attracting investment into ranching, feed production and supply-chains, the reforms could transform livestock into a vital growth engine for rural incomes, food supply and national economic stability.
