As part of measures to end cases of farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria, a
National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated organised by the Kano state government has recommended the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Resources.
The two-day conference brought together scholars, professionals, captains of industry and practitioners in the field of agricultural development, value chain specialists and researchers in diverse fields of animal production.
In a communique issued Thursday, at the end of the two days National Conference held n Abuja, it was agreed that the call was in tandem with practices in many other West African countries.
The communique signed by the former Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, said in the alternative, federal and state governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry.
Similarly, they further stressed the need for the creation of additional research institutions for beef, dairy and pasture production as a strategy for expanding funding and enacting policies and programmes for the development of the sector at all levels of government.
Calling on media organizations need to create awareness at all levels that will promote Inclusive communities, strengthen harmonious relations to encourage government and private sector investments for cohesive societies and improved productivity, they maintained that profiling and reportage that malign socio-economic and ethnic groups need to be avoided.
They called on the united nations (UN) Agencies, Bilateral institutions, regional organizations (AU and ECOWAS), national and international CSOs and other support organisations to increase the level of funding and support to the government of Nigeria in mitigating the Impact of climate change, addressing technology gaps, addressing poverty and skills gap and improving people’s livelihoods.
They further stressed the need to support agricultural and pastoralists organizations, cooperative societies and relevant producer associations and professional bodies for Improved productivity.
Among the resolutions of the experts that includes specialists in range management veterinary services, economics, history, cultural studies, climate change, natural resources management, governance and conflict management, among others was the need to revisit and review sub-national, national and regional laws, legislations and policies so as to make applicable reforms for Improving Livestock production and addressing conflicts.
It includes the need to adopt Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices, including the adoption of Integrated approach to managing landscapes of croplands, rangelands, forests and fisheries that address the Interlinks between the quest for food security and mitigation of the challenges of climate change.
They also stressed the need to strengthen and Improve the security architecture for the prevention of violent crimes Including cattle rustling, raiding of villages, kidnapping of persons for ransom and trade in illicit arms and drugs.
Continuing, they noted: “There is the need to strengthen the process of litigation for more effective dispensation of justice and handling of the various litigations relating to violent crimes and other perpetrators of violent conflicts.
“There is the need to reform the security and judicial architectures to ensure the curtailing of farmer-herder conflicts, cattle rustlng, illegal arms trade, importation and proliferation in the country.
” Political leaders at all levels need to refrain from politicizing the issue of farmer-herder conflicts and other associated issues while pursuing inclusive processes that will strengthen unity and cooperation In the country.”
The participants unanimously commended the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for Initiating and sponsoring the National Conference, which demonstrates his patriotism and strong commitment toward enhancing peaceful co-existence, unity and development In the country.
While appreciating the Kano state government for the Conference, the participants urged Governor Ganduje to use his good office and Influence to present the resolutions and proceedings of this National Conference before the National Council of State and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
They thereby expressed appreciation to the organising committee under the leadership of Professor Attahlru Jega, for successfully hosting of the Conference.
