Level of Sensitization on the Gains of Inclusion Dairy Cattle in Paddy Grazing and Formulated Feeds to End Herders-Farmers Conflict in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was borne out of the fact that rice farming and cattle rearing are predominant in the northern parts of Nigeria. But there have been increasing conflicts between farmers and herdsmen particularly in north-central. To address this problem, this study empirically looked at the nexus between sensitization on gains from paddy grazing and farming practices in rice production. Data were collected from three hundred and twenty respondents with the aid of a structured interview guide and field survey. It was found that instead of using organic manure, Urea (55%) and NPK (36.9%) fertilizers were applied on the rice farms. Most (89.4%) of the respondents were not sensitized on the benefits of paddy grazing to the dairy cattle, environment, and soil. Results of the t-test indicated that no significant difference existed in the farming practices for rice production in Niger and Benue States (t = 8.9). The level of sensitization on paddy grazing correlates with the farm practices of the respondents (r = 0.69). This study concluded that respondents did not aware that paddy grazing could lead to increased rice and milk production.