The Political Economy of Cows: A Call for Modem Innovative Approach to Cattle Breeding in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses the political and economic dynamics of the cattle industry in Nigeria with the aim of projecting the need for the adoption of modern innovative approaches to cattle rearing in the country. The paper is informed by the pervasive and escalating conflict between herdsmen and crop farmers in the Nigeria which has led to the loss of lives and property across the country. The paper is anchored on Karl Marx’s Theory of Dialectical Materialism which is basically an approach to the study of society. The paper relied on the analysis of extant literature and contends that many factors such as increasing human population and activities, desert encroachment which is a consequence of climate change and insecurity arc responsible for the conflict between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. The paper therefore points out the need to embrace modern cattle breading methods such as ranching in order to minimize conflict between cattle herders and crop farmers. It also argues that the adoption of modern cattle breading methods would not only enhance the quality and quantity of the meat and milk, it would also promote sedentary life among cattle herders and grant them access facilities like education, health and other services. It is therefore recommended in the paper that the government should exude more commitment towards modernizing the Nigerian cattle industry.