EFFECTIVENESS OF GRAZING RESERVE POLICIES ON SUSTAINABLE LAND USE AND FOOD SECURITY IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY; 2015 – 2024
Mustapha Nurudeen Adekunle
Volume 12 Issue 1
Abstract
This study examines the Effectiveness of Grazing Reserve Policies on Sustainable Land Use and Food Security in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2024. Anchored on the Sustainable Development Theory (Brundtland, 1987), which emphasizes the integration of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, the research aims to assess the role of grazing reserve policies in promoting sustainable land use and food security. A survey design was employed, targeting a population of approximately 2,000 livestock farmers. A sample size of 300 farmers was selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diverse demographic representation. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the participants. The study's findings indicate that while grazing reserves have contributed to reducing conflicts between farmers and herders, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor policy implementation, and limited access to resources persist. These challenges have hindered the full potential of grazing reserves to enhance sustainable land use and food security in the region. Furthermore, inadequate government support and lack of community involvement in the management of grazing reserves exacerbate these issues. Based on the findings, two recommendations are made: (1) the need for improved policy implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that grazing reserve facilities are adequately managed, and (2) the promotion of community-based management practices that involve local farmers and herders in decision making to enhance the sustainability of land use and food security in the region. Keywords: Grazing Reserve Policies, Sustainable Land Use, Food Security, Federal Capital Territory.
Download Paper