The Katsina State Government has announced that, beginning with this year’s farming season, farming activities will no longer be permitted on cattle routes and grazing reserves across the state. The decision was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Faskari, during a conflict resolution tour to Mai’adua and Zango Local Government Areas.
The move comes in response to complaints from herders that their traditional cattle routes, essential for accessing grazing lands, had been blocked by farms in certain areas. Faskari explained that both farmers and herders were called to a meeting in Katsina to address these concerns, particularly regarding a cattle route leading to the Niger Republic.
After discussions mediated by traditional institutions, an agreement was reached to allow current crops on the cattle routes to be harvested, but this would be the final farming season on the designated paths. Affected local governments include Mashi, Kaita, Dutsinma, Mai’adua, and Zango.
In addition to the cattle route issue, the team also investigated reports of illegal farming on over 70 hectares of forest reserves in the region. The government is committed to addressing these concerns to prevent future conflicts, with further inspections planned in other local government areas.
The SSG emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders while protecting grazing routes and forest reserves from further encroachment.
