Farmer-Grazer conflict rages on in Cameroon

Farmer-Grazer conflict in Cameroon seem to be a seems perpetual problem. Farmers in the North West Region practising agroforestry say rich Fulani cattle keepers stubbornly drive their animals to graze on their farms.

According to the farmers, the Fulani herdsmen who stubbornly drive their animals to graze on their crops and agroforestry species undermine their efforts to boost yields.

The Fulani cattle owners are also accused of influencing administrative decisions concerning the matter. Not even several court sessions seem to help solve the farmer-grazer dilemma.

“Recently, there was a hearing in the Menchum Court of First Instance on a similar issue, and again the decisions that will be arrived at are left at the mercy of God,” Kum Nicolas, an agroforestry field technician, told The Green Vision.

Kum said when cattle destroy their crops, it affects crop that otherwise serve as a livelihood for their households.

“In addition, the cattle feed on straw which we gather to be tilled into the soil in preparation for the planting season. Besides, the dung they leave behind is not commensurate to the quantity of straw consumed,” Kum, said.

He said if the government could make better legislation on the farmer-grazer problem, it would help address some of the food security needs of our peasant farmers most of who are poor as well as solve the farmer-grazer problems in the North West and other parts of the country.