Osun Farmers Decry Herdsmen Invasion, Call for Enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Law
Farmers in the Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State have expressed deep concerns over the persistent invasion of their farms by herdsmen, whose cattle routinely graze on their crops, resulting in significant damage.
The farmers reported that the herdsmen’s activities had severely damaged their crops and called on the Federal Government to enforce the law banning open grazing in the country. This law, aimed at preventing conflicts between farmers and herders, has yet to be effectively implemented.
Their concerns were voiced during a visitation and data capturing by the Tinubu/Shettima Back to Farm Initiative. The program’s coordinator for Iwo Local Government, Toyin Adeyemo, released a statement highlighting the farmers’ plight.
Oladepo Asifat, speaking on behalf of the farmers, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention. “The prices of all the items we use for farming have skyrocketed. Herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers are now beyond our financial reach,” he lamented.
The farmers also urged the government to support all-year-round farming by providing irrigation schemes. They noted that rain-fed agriculture was unreliable and insufficient, given the increasing population and the need for sustainable food production.
Asifat stressed that the lack of irrigation systems and unaffordable farming inputs had severely impacted agricultural productivity in the region. “We are struggling to make ends meet, and the government must act to address these challenges,” he said.
The ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in Osun State have significant economic and social implications. The state government has been working to find lasting solutions, but more needs to be done to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Experts warn that if left unaddressed, these conflicts could escalate, threatening food security and stability in the region. Effective implementation of the anti-open grazing law and support for farmers are crucial steps toward resolving these issues.
The Federal Government has been called upon to take decisive action to enforce the law and provide necessary support to farmers. Only through collaborative efforts can the nation achieve sustainable agricultural growth and ensure food security for its citizens.
