THE IMPACT OF UNREGULATED CATTLE GRAZING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

This research work examined the impact of unregulated open grazing on the environment. The environmental consequences of livestock production vary widely, depending on the opportunities and constraints afforded by different production systems, institutional and policy contexts. In view of the negative environmental impacts of unregulated open grazing, the need for environmental considerations in its legal framework cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, the spotlight in policy documents, scholarly articles and in government circles has been more on the impact of nomadic grazing on other socio-economic factors and not on the environment. This research adopts the doctrinal methodology. As such, primary sources of material were used. Findings reveals that unregulated open grazing, has potential to increase insecurity and conflicts. It has an adverse impact on the environment by exposing fragile soils leading to severe erosion and subsequent downstream siltation, and the introduction of aggressive weeds by the cattle. It is therefore recommended that a robust legal and regulatory framework is imperative to regulate cattle grazing in curbing environmental pollution, degradation and conflicts. The research concludes that unregulated cattle grazing is not environmentally sustainable. Several gaps relating to lack of robust mechanism for stakeholder participation in land reform processes, limited access to information, lack of robust legal frameworks and inadequate access to effective dispute resolution mechanisms in case of conflict, have all exacerbated the spate of unregulated open grazing conflicts and disputes in Nigeria.