Herder-Farmer Conflicts and RUGA Policy

Abstract

In recent times, the occurrence of conflicts between herders and farmers with unexplainable attacks by the Fulani herdsmen in Nigerian states has become worrisome; threatening the unity and security of the country with the fear of war and ethnic invasion. Governmental attempts to proffer solutions have not helped matters. Affected parties have rejected proposed policies, including cattle colonies, cattle routes, grazing reserves, and Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) settlements. Findings revealed that the reasons for rejections and counter reactions against policies are related to the fear of ethnic domination and suspicion among Nigerian stakeholders. This work affirms that the RUGA is a policy formulated amidst perceived and overwhelming ethnic prejudice. It concludes that there is need for collective and inclusive policy formulation and implementation that recognizes collective effort with a modern political economy policy for sustainable development.