KACRAN Calls For Harmony Between Herders, Farmers To Ensure Food Security Amid Economic Challenges
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In a powerful statement emphasizing unity and mutual respect, the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has urged herders and farmers nationwide to take necessary steps to protect farmlands and grazing reserves as Nigeria navigates challenging economic waters. With the commencement of the 2026/2027 farming season, KACRAN highlights that the escalating conflicts between farmers and herders pose significant risks to the nation’s food security.
As Nigeria grapples with its most severe economic struggles in over sixty years, aggravated by persistent disputes between pastoralists and agriculturalists, KACRAN is reinforcing its mission for peace and collaboration. The association emphasizes that safeguarding crops directly correlates to ensuring the country’s food supply, urging herders to exercise caution and avoid damaging farmland during grazing or migration.
KACRAN’s appeal extends to farmers as well, asking them to refrain from encroaching upon designated grazing reserves and recognized cattle routes during land preparation. The association stresses that open routes are vital for the peaceful movement of cattle and for the coexistence of both groups in the agricultural sector.
The statement outlines pressing realities that necessitate this appeal. National security remains a critical concern, with Nigeria facing multiple security challenges that drain immense financial resources—funds that could otherwise bolster development efforts. The impact on agriculture is evident, as insecurity has disrupted various sectors, displacing millions and making large expanses of farmland inaccessible.
Economic pressures compound these issues, with rising fuel prices following subsidy removals leading to significant increases in farming input costs. KACRAN underscores that every hectare of farmland must be protected from avoidable losses.
In a call for mutual responsibility, KACRAN articulates that sustainable peace between herders and farmers hinges on adherence to the law and a shared understanding of one another’s challenges. Herders are urged to acknowledge that harming farmland jeopardizes not only coexistence but also national food security. Conversely, farmers are reminded that encroaching on grazing reserves may provoke unnecessary tensions.
Further emphasizing the urgency of the situation, KACRAN references United Nations projections that millions of Nigerians will face food insecurity by 2027. To combat this potential crisis, the association insists that all stakeholders—including farmers, herders, and government—must unite to safeguard agricultural productivity and avoid actions that could diminish harvest yields.
In a gesture of solidarity, KACRAN pleads with the Federal and State Governments to provide essential support to farmers, ensuring access to critical farming inputs like tractors, fertilizers, and insecticides at affordable rates. Additionally, KACRAN calls for the reclamation and revitalization of grazing reserves and cattle routes, coupled with the establishment of functional water points to support herders.
The association extends its appreciation to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni for his leadership in reducing tractor rental costs and his commitment to reclaiming grazing reserves. The ongoing intervention by the National and State Coordinators of L-PRES has also been recognized, particularly their efforts in converting boreholes to solar-powered systems to benefit livestock welfare and community health.
In closing, KACRAN emphasizes a united front—arguing that through collaborative efforts, Nigeria has the potential to secure a prosperous agricultural future. The association passionately calls on partners, including the World Bank, to amplify their support for ongoing initiatives that strengthen food security in the region.
“Together, in unity and shared responsibility, we can secure Nigeria’s agricultural future,” KACRAN writes, invoking a spirit of hope and collaboration.
