Sustainable development Cost of Nomadic Pastoralist –Farmers Conflict in Nigeria

A Cause for Rethink

Abstract

Nigeria since independence has been besieged with violent conflict, differently; Nomadic pastoralist-farmers conflict has spread to six geo-political zones accompany with horrifying socio-economic and environmental implications. Nigeria has witnessed a great loss of lives and properties, destruction of invaluable facilities, and unconducive environment for normal business activities to take place. All these point to the retardation in sustainable development efforts. Nigeria cannot promote sustainable development in an environment devoid of peace, justice and freedom. This dreadful situation requires a proactive solution; a paradigm shift from transhumance to ranching is necessary. Federal government as the custodian of security should implement its impending ranching policy, ban open grazing and strengthen its security agencies so to safeguard the country from the scourge of persistent nomadic pastoralist-farmers conflict.