Some truths about #RUGA
A lot of heat was generated about the Federal Government's plan to provide a special settlement for Fulani herders currently trending with a hashtag RUGA.
It should be noted that previous governments have tried to profer solutions to unending clashes between farmers and herders. People, especially in the southern part of Nigeria have kicked against allowing herders to roam about their communities. Ranching came up as part of the solutions, which is referred as RUGA, 'settlement for the Fulani herders.
In another twist, the same people who have have opposed free roaming are still opposing the provision of a permanent settlement, as some have indicated readiness to stage a protest to the Ask villa on 5th June.
Some truths about #RUGA
A. There is no intention, not even mention, of extending the scheme to all 36 States. The Governors were sounded out and only 12 (all Northern States) agreed to participate.
B. Benue State isn't among the 12.
C. The idea is to set up ranches where the whole beef and meat value chain will be provided for: basic infrastructure, like roads, schools, markets (I can guarantee you that a substantial number of the market participants would be Igbo), vet clinics, meat processing factories, tanneries, etc, based on a similar, successful model in Tanzania.
D. A number of international organisations, such as the FAO and IFAD are already on board, interested in providing technical and other assistance and;
E. A number of international companies, including Italian, are interested in investing (Italy is known for leather).
It should be noted that previous governments have tried to profer solutions to unending clashes between farmers and herders. People, especially in the southern part of Nigeria have kicked against allowing herders to roam about their communities. Ranching came up as part of the solutions, which is referred as RUGA, 'settlement for the Fulani herders.
In another twist, the same people who have have opposed free roaming are still opposing the provision of a permanent settlement, as some have indicated readiness to stage a protest to the Ask villa on 5th June.
Some truths about #RUGA
A. There is no intention, not even mention, of extending the scheme to all 36 States. The Governors were sounded out and only 12 (all Northern States) agreed to participate.
B. Benue State isn't among the 12.
C. The idea is to set up ranches where the whole beef and meat value chain will be provided for: basic infrastructure, like roads, schools, markets (I can guarantee you that a substantial number of the market participants would be Igbo), vet clinics, meat processing factories, tanneries, etc, based on a similar, successful model in Tanzania.
D. A number of international organisations, such as the FAO and IFAD are already on board, interested in providing technical and other assistance and;
E. A number of international companies, including Italian, are interested in investing (Italy is known for leather).
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