Analysing the land use act, the grazing reserves act and the proposed Fulani cattle colonies (RUGA settlement) and NLTP

Abstract

Agriculture is a major source of Nigerians livelihood, and it consists of mainly agricultural crops or plants and livestock. The farmers and herdsmen are the major stakeholders in Nigeria Agriculture. In 2011 it was said by Central Bank that Nigeria Agriculture had thepotential to grow tremendously in 2030. Despite the above, it had been observed that there had been a series of violent clashes and conflicts between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen. The reason for the conflict is as a result of accusation and counter-accusation thatthere had been land encroachment and destruction of agricultural crops by herdsmen cattle. The Fulani herdsmen also complain ofcattle theft by people residing in the host community. However, in order to curb the clashes between the farmers and Fulani herdsmen,the Federal Government of Nigeria sort to introduce Rural Grazing Area (RUGA Settlement) and National Livestock TransformationPlan (NLTP), which was widely criticized and condemned. In view of the above, this research adopted the qualitative methodology, using a doctrinal method of research. It was, therefore, concluded that there is a need to ensure that the farmers and herdsmen live inpeace, unity, and harmony in making use of the available resources for agricultural purposes. It was therefore recommended that theLand Use Act and the Grazing Reserved Act that provided adequately for grazing reserved for livestock should be duly and completely implemented. Keywords: Land Use Act, Grazing Reserved, Land, Grazing, Cattle Colonies, Settlemen