Pastoralists’ grazing systems and eco-related outcomes in Yewa Division of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria heavy dependence of cattle on natural pasture for grazing has resulted in the emergence of a range of grazing systems and ecosystem challenges. Consequently this study appraised the grazing systems in use and their eco-relational outcomes for sustainable cattle management in Yewa Division of Ogun State. A total of 143 pastoralists agreed to take part in the survey and provided data on the commonly practiced grazing systems and ecological effects through the use of an interview format, interactive discussions plus field observations. The study outcome showed continuous, unpatterned rotational and transverse grazing systems were commonly practiced. The study also revealed that the employed grazing systems were independent of size of the cattle herds. While cattle were healthy under the grazing systems employed, soil degradation occurred in some instances. While the grazing systems employed by the pastoralists were satisfactory from the animal perspective, studies are needed to minimize the extent of soil degradation in the area.