Islamic prescriptions for cattle rearing: A complementary approach towards curbing farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria

Abstract

The recurrence of violence across Nigeria is worrisome. Among the incidents are the clashes between Fulani Muslim herders and
Christian farmers, especially in the middle belt and parts of southern Nigeria. Efforts of the government at curbing these
clashes have not yielded desired results. Can religion (Islam) complement governmental interventions in the resolution of the
problem? This paper focused on a historical and analytic exploration of this question. It was found that clashes were caused
by the open grazing system of cattle rearing adopted by Fulani herdsmen. This system exposes cattle to dangers, destroys crops on farmlands, and causes collisions on roads/highways. It was also revealed that the non-adherence to Islamic prescriptions on animal welfare was an important additional factor. The paper posits that criminal activities such as rape, killing, and destruction of property alleged to have been committed by Fulani Muslim herders are condemnable and punishable by Islamic law. To achieve better results in the search for peaceful co-existence, it is recommended that the federal government and state administrations establish ranches and grazing reserves, implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and collaborate with religious leaders to motivate herders to keep Islamic laws of cattle rearing.