Livestock production at the nexus of resources competition and ethno-religious cynicism in Nigeria – implicative analysis on food security

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the most malnourished and hunger ridden in the league of developing countries; according to reports of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of United Nations estimated daily animal protein intake for developing countries averaged at 4.5 g/head/day at the beginning of this century which has hardly rose to 10 g/head/day into the second decade of the century in Nigeria; a value comparably low to 35 g/head/day global recommendation. Among middle income level countries where animal protein intake is 16 g/head/day; the intake of 10 g/head/day in Nigeria is still low. World Food Programme (WFP) also reported that one third of children less than five (5) years old in Nigeria are stunted due to poor nutrition and this is twice the rate of such incidence in Thailand and three times that of Tunisia which are also developing countries like Nigeria; all these are strong pointers to malnutrition especially inadequate intake of animal proteins. This call for increase supply of animal protein to address the poor intake; but Nigeria animal protein supply depends on pastoral livestock production on extensive natural grassland. This production system is under challenges of climate and poor production techniques; hence government effort towards improvement via establishment of grazing reserve is a way out. This will allow deliberate efforts to improve productivity of the pastoral cattle, encourage corporate investment in livestock production sub-sector, participation of private foreign investors and adaptive climate change management. Unfortunately, these efforts has been under threats of claims which this paper identified as ethno – religious sentiments. Therefore, this paper discussed Nigeria livestock production, Climate change effects on Nigeria livestock production and its social implications, sources of ethno-religious violence linked to livestock production in Nigeria, grazing reserve bills in Nigeria – the proponents, the opponents and what are the pitfalls, food insecurity – the need for modification and re-introduction of grazing reserves bill in Nigeria then suggested Taylor Grazing Reserve Act of United States as a model for re – introduction of grazing reserves bill in Nigeria.