Agriculture
Expert Tasks FG On Herders, Farmers’ Conflicts
An Anthropologist, Dr Adam Higazi has said government policies on addressing conflicts between farmers and pastoralists must be based on reality not sentiments.
Higazi, a post-doctoral research fellow at the Department of Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, made the remarks yesterday in Kaduna at a seminar organised by the French Embassy in partnership with The Pastoral Resolve (PARE).
The Tide source reports that the seminar addressed Ethnography and Scientific Knowledge as it relates to pastoralism and it’s Policy Implications in the country.
It also seek to identify the root causes and solutions to the clashes between farmers and pastoralists through necessary understanding of the way each one works within the society.
Higazi, in his presentation which touched on bridging knowledge gap in the study of pastoralism in Nigeria, said it was important for government policies to be anchored on sound knowledge, not ignorance or sentiments.
The scholar, who conducted fieldwork within nomadic and semi-nomadic Fulani communities in different states of central and northern Nigeria in August and September 2018, said knowledge would help improve policy making and success rate in containing the crisis.
According to him, the field work was to deepen anthropological and historical knowledge of the relationship between the two economic groups.
“The main objective of the research is that policy should be based on evidence and knowledge, policy should not be made based on ignorance.
“We should improve based on sociological and scientific knowledge and data which will be put into policy making on rural areas, and on pastoralism and agriculture.”
The Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Dr Saleh Momale, noted that conflicts between pastoralists and farmers have remained a challenge over the last three decades in governing Nigeria’s rural space.
Momale explained that the disputes began over access to grazing areas, grazing and migratory routes, crop damages and use of lowland Fadama resources.
“The inability to effectively address the problems metamorphosed into violent conflicts in many parts of the country, leading to death of persons, destruction of properties and displacements of varying proportions.
“The growth of crime in form of cattle rustling, raiding of villages and kidnapping opened another dimension to the challenges of managing relations between pastoralists and farmers in particular, and enforcing the rule of law in the rural areas in general.”
According to him, in recent years, there is increasing occurrence of violent conflicts which are being interpreted in different ways.
” Even though a number of researches have been conducted to understand the key drivers of the conflicts, the outcome of the research works has not significantly impacted responses and policies of governments at all levels.
“This allowed for misinterpretation of the world-view of the pastoralists leading to enactment of inappropriate policies and responses in some areas.
“Overall, this created a vacuum that is filled by narrow-based perceptions that are not founded on empirical research.” he said
He said that Hagizi had since 2004 conducted research in Nigeria on the ethnography, scientific knowledge and policy making processes as it affects pastoralists.
Momale said that a seminar be held to allow participants respond to the findings of the research by Hazigi, and for them to contribute their perspectives and understanding on the issues.
” It is expected that at the end of today’s event, a summary of the discussions and recommendations will be prepared”.
“It is also expected that a policy brief to inform actions and interventions by all stakeholders including governments, civil society organisations and the media, among others will be prepared and disseminated.”
The commissioner assured the organisers and participants that the Kaduna State Government and the Peace Commission would work with suggestions arrived at during the event in promoting peace, security, social and economic development of the state.
He thanked the French embassy for the foresight to organise the event as its contribution towards resolving the lingering challenge of conflicts, livestock development and effective governance in the country.
“We also thank Dr Higazi for his interest and acceptance to share the results of his research work.
“We acknowledge and value the contributions of The Pastoral Resolve (PARE) is facilitating communications and linkages during the planning of this seminar.”
This the farmers attributed to inadequate pest control facilities, lack of in-depth managerial skills, crisis, Climate control and other factors.
These were the observations of the farmers during the training of 6000 Cassava farmers and facility tour both at Fashola Agribusiness hub and Iseyin.
The training was coordinated by the African Agricultural Technology (AATF) Foundation and National Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia state, funded by Germany based Foundation.
The project coordinator of AATF, Samuel Ogunleye said the training has benefited the farmers immensely.
According to him, ‘the training is designed to benefit 6,000 Cocoa farmers in the 33 local government areas of the state.
‘The programme was incubated in 2023 but inaugurated in 2024. The programme has taken place in Ido and Ibarapa areas with the training of over 1,200 farmers.
‘Today similar programme is taking place here in Iseyin with over 2,000 farmers in attendance.
Farmers are being trained on how to increase their output as well gets it to the market through modern technology.
‘In Iseyin, there is a modern Cassava processor machine aimed at easing the processes.
‘The local farmers have access to the processor at a subsidize rate. Also, the foundation is assisting them at getting their products to the market”.
In his own presentation, the team leader, National Root Crops Research Institute, Dr. Adeyemi Olojede said the training was designed to address the decline in the
production of Cassava nationwide.
He said: ‘The training is designed for the off season in order to allow active participation of farmers.
‘Some of the challenges confronting the farmers are tabled while the solutions are proffered.
On the issue of funding, the University don blamed successive administrations in the Country for paying lip service to the sector.
According to him, the Research Institutes in the Country have not been able to access the Budget in the past five years.
The researchers are using their personal contacts to access funds from local and international organization to carry out research.
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, has lauded the Federal Government’s approval of 57 crop varieties to strengthen agricultural productivity in the country.
The Lagos State AFAN Chairman, Mr Sakin Agbayewa, disclosed this in an interview with the Newsmen, Wednesday in Lagos.
Reports said that in March 2026, the Federal Government approved 57 new improved crop varieties to boost food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen agricultural productivity.
The crops, selected for early maturity, higher yields, and resistance to pests and diseases, include 14 different types of staples, with notable advancements in rice, maize, yam, soybean, and plantain.
Agbayewa noted the approval of the crop varieties would help improve the yields of farmers in the state.
“We are excited to hear about the 57 new varieties of crops recently approved.
“What we desire currently in crop farming is not just about planting, it is about increased yield.
“A farmer can have a plot of land and have a high yield and another can have big plots of land and have a low yield.
“So, if when are talking about food security, it starts from the varieties you are planting and it starts from the seedlings”, Agbayewa said.
He described the introduction of the crops as a new development for crop cultivation.
“This newly approved 57 crop varieties should however be popularised among local farmers because not everyone is aware of this latest development.
“There are lots of issues currently affecting the cultivation of crops and the development of improved crop varieties will help the farmer’s productivity.
“Issues such as climate change effects, inconsistent rainfall patterns and weather clash among others are affecting farmers’ yield,” he said.
Agbayewa said there should be massive advocacy of the approved crop varieties across the board for farmers, adding, “The government is now waking up to their responsibility. So, we are”
The event, with the theme “Aligning Science, Enterprise, and Policy to Scale Insect-based Feed Solutions,” brought together policymakers, researchers, regulators, private investors, and BSFL farming entrepreneurs to map out strategies for integrating insect protein into Nigeria’s agricultural system.
According to him, black soldier fly larvae can feed on organic waste including market and kitchen refuse and develop into high-protein feed within 10 to 14 days.
“It contains about 40 to 45 per cent protein, making it a viable alternative to some protein source feed ingredients in poultry, fish, and pig feed ration if produced sustainably” he said.
Amole noted growing interest from feed manufacturers, stressing that supply, not demand remains the major constraint
“The question now is who can produce at commercial scale,” he added.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s comparative advantage, citing its tropical climate and abundant organic waste, which support year-round production without the need for expensive temperature control systems.
He however emphasised the need for standardisation to ensure consistency in nutrient quality and safety across producers.
Also speaking, a Senior Scaling and Innovation Expert from the institutes ‘headquarters in Nairobi, Dr. Ijudai Jasada, identified fragmentation within the BSFL value chain as a major barrier to scale.
“We need a coordinated system that connects all actors and reduces inefficiencies,” he said.
Stakeholders at the Roundtable reached a consensus that ILRI should take the lead in establishing and championing a national platform on BSFL.
Jasada said plans are underway to establish a national coordination platform to improve collaboration, attract investment, and support long-term growth of the sector.
He said the goal is to integrate insect-based feed into Nigeria’s mainstream feed industry by 2030, while creating employment opportunities for women and youth.
On capacity development, Prof. Cordelia Ifeyinwa Ebenebe of Nnamdi Azikiwe University acknowledged ongoing training efforts by development partners and institutions but warned that Nigeria’s regulatory framework for insect-based feed remains underdeveloped.
She noted that standards are still evolving and are expected to align with benchmarks being developed by the African Organisation for Standardisation.
Similarly, Prof. Olugbenga Adeniran Ogunwole stressed the importance of safety assurance and regulatory clarity, warning that policy gaps could hinder large-scale adoption.
He identified key challenges, including variability in nutrient composition, digestibility concerns linked to chitin content, and relatively high production costs.
A BSFL producer, Mr. Kolawole Ogunleye, said large-scale production remains difficult due to limited access to equipment, financing, and infrastructure, adding, “The process is labour-intensive, and most of the equipment is still imported,” he said.
From the private sector, Mr. John Amole, Country Representative of New Generation Nutrition (NGN), described insect protein as a growing but still underutilised solution in Nigeria.
He noted that although insect meal has been approved as a feed ingredient, it has yet to gain widespread market acceptance.
“There is interest, but the ecosystem is still developing, and there are no guaranteed off-takers,” he said.
Sharing international experience, Ms Talash Huijbers of InsectiPro, Kenya, highlighted the success of circular economy models that convert organic waste into protein and fertiliser.
The roundtable concluded with key recommendations, including the establishment of a clear legal framework for insect-based feed, financial incentives for startups, standardised substrates, integration into national waste management systems, and increased funding for research and extension services.
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