Cattle block Nigerian capital’s roads as herders struggle to find grazing land

Nigeria's capital city Abuja is increasingly disrupted by cattle blocking roads as climate change and urban development force Fulani herders to seek pasture in the city.

Taiwo Adebayo reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Climate change and urban expansion have destroyed traditional grazing lands in northern Nigeria, pushing herders into urban areas like Abuja.
Fulani herders, who dominate West Africa’s cattle industry, now struggle with reduced access to free grazing, leading to frequent clashes with city life.
Proposals to solve the issue include reviving government grazing reserves and providing financial incentives to herders.

Key quote:

“The government should revive the gazetted grazing reserves fitted with the infrastructure for water and fodder production, training and veterinary services and generate jobs and revenues.”

— Baba Ngelzarma, president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria

Why this matters:

The conflict between herders and urban development reflects broader challenges in balancing traditional livelihoods with modernization, exacerbated by climate change. Addressing this requires coordinated action to support both the livestock industry and urban planning.

apnews.com

Cattle block Nigerian capital’s roads as herders struggle to find grazing land

New York’s subways weren’t built for this

As hostilities flare and oil prices spike, U.S. consumers pay at the pump

'Slumping' South Korean corals worry divers, scientists studying climate change

Too hot to learn: how climate change hurts children’s chances from birth

One effect of climate change: More rats, ticks and mosquitoes — and more disease

‘More toxic than car exhaust’: What’s the solution to Europe’s wildfire air pollution problem?

Opinion: Al Gore was right

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.