Arewa Economic Forum Advocates Safe Grazing Zones to Combat Hunger and Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

The Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) has called for the creation of safe grazing zones in northern Nigeria where farming and cattle rearing can occur under protection. This call comes in response to widespread suffering and hunger in the country, partially caused by banditry attacks on farmers, livestock rustling, and kidnapping.

Ibrahim Dandakata, the forum chairman, made this statement in Abuja, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to tackle food insecurity given the high rate of hunger among the populace. He noted that the pressing need for safe zones for cattle rearing aims to address the issues of banditry and cattle rustling, major contributors to protein scarcity.

Dandakata highlighted that hunger is a real issue linked to insecurity in the North, which has led to the abandonment of 60% of arable land in the region for over five years. This abandonment has caused the cost of protein to skyrocket, with cattle rustling escalating to banditry, significantly contributing to the people's suffering.

To overcome this situation, Dandakata proposed establishing safe enclaves for cattle rearing equipped with water, security, and necessary facilities. He pointed out that the first victims of banditry are the Fulanis, with bandit-Fulanis victimizing non-bandit Fulanis who are legitimate pastoralists. These safe enclaves, in the form of grazing reserves, would provide a haven for Fulanis, with government support and collaboration with the private sector and NGOs to ensure adequate security and prevent foreign encroachment.

Additionally, Dandakata addressed food insecurity, crop yield, and farming, noting that many hectares of land in northern Nigeria are left fallow. He emphasized that enabling the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) to carry out its mandate is a crucial solution to these problems.