Animal agriculture in Nigeria
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Overview of animal grazing and deforestation in Nigeria
Animal grazing and deforestation in Nigeria is a significant environmental issues with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, communities, and sustainable development. Nigeria has a large population of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, which depend on grazing for sustenance.[1][2] However, the traditional and modern practices of animal grazing have contributed to deforestation, resulting in severe environmental degradation.[3][4]
Animal grazing practices in Nigeria have changed due to population growth, urbanization, and changing agricultural practices. Traditional nomadic herding has transitioned to sedentary and intensive grazing, leading to increased pressure on forested areas. Overgrazing, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as savannas and woodland areas, has destroyed vegetation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. [5] Deforestation in Nigeria is driven by various factors, including agricultural expansion, logging, fuelwood collection, and infrastructural development. The expansion of grazing areas and the clearing of forests for pastureland significantly contribute to deforestation rates in the country. This loss of forest cover has profound consequences for climate regulation, water resources, and the overall health of ecosystems.[6]
The relationship between animal grazing and deforestation in Nigeria is complex and intertwined. On one hand, excessive grazing and overstocking of animals contribute to the degradation and depletion of forests. On the other hand, deforestation limits the availability of suitable grazing land, forcing herders to encroach further into forested areas, perpetuating a destructive cycle.[7]
The socioeconomic impact of animal grazing and deforestation is substantial. Livelihoods dependent on forest resources, such as indigenous communities and small-scale farmers, are adversely affected. Displacement, loss of access to natural resources, and conflicts between herders and farmers over land exacerbate the socio-economic challenges faced by affected communities. Moreover, deforestation and land degradation have negative implications for agricultural productivity, food security, and overall economic development.[8]
Addressing the issue of animal grazing and deforestation in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach. This includes the promotion of sustainable grazing practices, the implementation of effective land-use policies and regulations, the restoration of degraded areas, and the engagement of local communities and stakeholders in conservation efforts. It is essential to strike a balance between the economic needs of pastoralists and the preservation of forests, biodiversity, and ecosystem services for long-term sustainability.[9]
References
- ^ Aribido, S O; Bolorunduro, B I (2004-12-13). "Implications of Ecological Changes on Sustainable Livestock Production in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria". Tropical Journal of Animal Science. 6 (2). doi:10.4314/tjas.v6i2.31080. ISSN 1119-4308.
- ^ Amadou, Hamadoun; Dossa, Luc Hippolyte; Lompo, Désiré Jean-Pascal; Abdulkadir, Aisha; Schlecht, Eva (2012-03-20). "A comparison between urban livestock production strategies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria in West Africa". Tropical Animal Health and Production. 44 (7): 1631–1642. doi:10.1007/s11250-012-0118-0. ISSN 0049-4747. PMC 3433665. PMID 22430479.
- ^ Junk, Wolfgang J.; Nunes da Cunha, Catia (2012-01-26). "Pasture clearing from invasive woody plants in the Pantanal: a tool for sustainable management or environmental destruction?". Wetlands Ecology and Management. 20 (2): 111–122. doi:10.1007/s11273-011-9246-y. ISSN 0923-4861. S2CID 255101759.
- ^ Bilsborrow, Richard E.; DeLargy, Pamela F. (1990). "Land Use, Migration, and Natural Resource Deterioration: The Experience of Guatemala and the Sudan". Population and Development Review. 16: 125–147. doi:10.2307/2808067. ISSN 0098-7921. JSTOR 2808067.
- ^ "+Bioline International Official Site (site up-dated regularly)". www.bioline.org.br. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ Giday, Kidane; Humnessa, Bekele; Muys, Bart; Taheri, Fatemeh; Azadi, Hossein (2018-04-01). "Effects of livestock grazing on key vegetation attributes of a remnant forest reserve: The case of Desa'a Forest in northern Ethiopia". Global Ecology and Conservation. 14: e00395. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00395. ISSN 2351-9894.
- ^ Giday, Kidane; Humnessa, Bekele; Muys, Bart; Taheri, Fatemeh; Azadi, Hossein (2018-04-01). "Effects of livestock grazing on key vegetation attributes of a remnant forest reserve: The case of Desa'a Forest in northern Ethiopia". Global Ecology and Conservation. 14: e00395. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00395. ISSN 2351-9894.
- ^ ENVPK (2021-05-06). "Overgrazing – Causes, Effects and Solutions". Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ Ogboru, Tolulope; Adejonwo-Osho, Oluwatoyin (2018). "Towards an effective cattle grazing and rearing legal framework: an imperative for environmental protection". Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The). 9 (1): 58–79. doi:10.4314/jsdlp.v9i1.4. ISSN 2467-8392.