Assessment of Farmers-Pastoralist Perception of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Farmers' and pastoralists' perceptions of Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) in Kebbi State, Nigeria, were investigated. The study is based on data gathered using a mixed method technique. Data was collected from 320 farmers and pastoralists in the research area using a well-structured questionnaire. Focus Group Discussions were also organized and held separately with farmers and pastoralist communities. The data was examined using descriptive statistics on SPSS and Microsoft Excel software, and the FGD data was transcribed.

The mean age of farmers was 35.24 and that of pastoralists was 40.46. Most farmers-pastoralist are married, and the majority do not have a formal education. The majority of farmers-pastoralist have a household size of 6–10. The study further reveals that pastoralists have an average income per annum of N412,536.23 and farmers' average income per annum was N255,500.00. The study concluded that RUGA, if established in the study area, will boost crop and animal production, reduce cattle rustling, enhance access to education for both parties, and serve as a panacea to farmer-pastoralist conflict.

The study therefore recommended that formal education should be fostered through sensitization and that existing government-owned ranches and "burtalli" should be revamped.