Kano Farmers, Herders Clash Fears Rise as Harvest Season Nears

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano State chapter, has raised concerns over a possible escalation of farmers-herders clashes as the harvest season approaches.

AFAN Chairman in the state, Abdullahi Ali Maibiredi, said the dispute had persisted for years and had at various times resulted in clashes, property destruction and deaths.

Speaking in an interview with DAILY POST, Maibiredi said authorities had yet to find a lasting solution despite the impact of the conflict on farming and the livelihoods of residents.

He disclosed that he personally suffered significant losses from the dispute last year, saying about 85 per cent of his crops were destroyed.

“I personally lost about 85 per cent of my crops last year, yet I did not see the necessary action taken to address the problem,” Maibiredi said.

He urged relevant authorities to intervene before the situation worsens, particularly as farmers prepare to harvest their crops.

“We are calling on the authorities concerned to intervene and address this problem before it gets worse, especially now that we are entering the harvest period,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, the Kano State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, said the association had already warned its members about the potential risks.

Bakoji said an additional concern this year was the expected return of transhumant herders from Niger to Kano before farmers complete harvesting their crops.

He explained that herders who traditionally migrate to other areas, particularly from Niger, usually return to Kano after the harvest season. This year, however, they are expected to return while harvesting is still ongoing.

“In previous years, herders migrating to other areas, particularly from Niger, usually returned to Kano after the harvest. But this year, they are expected to return while harvesting is still ongoing,” Bakoji said.

According to him, water shortages in Niger were responsible for the earlier movement and could increase the risk of confrontation between farmers and herders in Kano.

Bakoji said MACBAN had already submitted reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa state governments and security agencies, urging them to take preventive measures.

“We have already sent reports and recommendations to the Kano and Jigawa state governments, as well as security agencies, so that preventive measures can be taken before the problem arises,” he said.

He also identified the closure or illegal occupation of cattle routes, grazing areas and livestock resting points as some of the factors contributing to the longstanding dispute.

“One of the roots of the problem is the way some cattle routes, grazing areas and livestock rest points have been closed or occupied illegally. We are therefore calling on the government to urgently look into the matter,” he said.

Bakoji added that MACBAN remained willing to engage with farmers, government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders to find a solution.

Farmers-herders conflict has persisted in parts of Nigeria for years, sometimes resulting in deaths and destruction of property. However, the situation in Kano has relatively improved in recent years.