The Arewa Economic Forum has proposed the establishment of Safe Grazing Areas in Northern Nigeria amidst widespread hardship and hunger exacerbated by banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping.
These protected zones would serve both for secure cattle rearing and farming activities, aimed at addressing the country’s food insecurity crisis.
The call for these Safe Grazing Areas was made by Ibrahim Shehu Dandakata, Chairman of the AEF, during a recent briefing in Abuja. Dandakata highlighted that the ongoing security challenges have left vast tracts of arable land in the North abandoned for over five years, contributing to severe protein shortages and rising food costs.
Dandakata explained that the increasing frequency of banditry and cattle rustling in the North has exacerbated the problem of hunger. “Whether we like it or not, the issue of hunger is real, and this is undoubtedly linked to the insecurity in the North, which has resulted in the abandonment of 60% of arable land in the region for more than five years,” he said. “Consequently, the cost of protein has skyrocketed, and cattle rustling, which has escalated to banditry, significantly contributes to the people’s ordeal.”
He emphasized the urgent need for a secure environment to support both cattle rearing and crop farming. “Although our solutions may not be exhaustive, they will undoubtedly pave the way forward,” Dandakata said. He proposed that establishing safe grazing reserves equipped with water, security, and other essential facilities would offer a refuge for Fulani pastoralists who are often victims of banditry.
Dandakata also stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations to ensure the success of these safe enclaves. “Such safe enclaves, in the form of grazing reserves, will provide a haven for Fulani, with the government offering necessary support,” he noted. “There will also be collaboration with the private sector and NGOs to ensure adequate security and prevent encroachment by foreigners.”
In addressing food insufficiency, Dandakata advocated for a revitalization of the Bank of Agriculture to support crop production. “Thousands of hectares lie fallow across northern Nigeria, and the solution lies in fully empowering the Bank of Agriculture to fulfill its mandate,” he said.
He further explained the broader economic implications of Nigeria’s current food importation challenges. “At the economic level, any imports will require necessary dollars, which are in short supply in Nigeria. As a non-producing nation, our demand for foreign exchange far exceeds the available supply. Therefore, even if the government permits importation, the necessary dollars are not available, making this solution untenable. While it might offer temporary relief, we must address the root causes at the grassroots level,” Dandakata asserted.
Regarding existing security measures for farming, Dandakata acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and its Agro Rangers unit but pointed out that the defense agencies are overstretched. “The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has a dedicated unit, the Agro Rangers, who have been performing well,” he said. “However, our defense agencies are overstretched. By providing a secure enclave for farmers, we can ensure their safety and security.”
Dandakata’s proposals aim to create sustainable solutions to Northern Nigeria’s food security issues and improve the overall safety of farming and cattle rearing activities in the region.