Rice farmers and the Enugu State Government have raised alarms over the destruction of farmlands and a key irrigation canal at the Ada Rice Farm in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area by cattle herders.
Government Reacts to Destruction
Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, described the situation as “pathetic,” lamenting the destruction of a newly rehabilitated canal funded through a state and federal counterpart initiative.
The canal, a 22.45-kilometer-long project supported by the African Development Bank under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-One, was designed to provide consistent water supply to 1,500 hectares of rice fields.
“This canal holds the livelihood of farmers and their families. It’s disheartening that herders allowed their cattle to destroy such a vital project,” Mr. Ubru said. He assured that the government is committed to repairing the damages and securing the area with security personnel, vigilance groups, and forest guards.
Farmers Voice Concerns
Farmers in the region have expressed fear and frustration over the recurring damage caused by cattle grazing.
- Disrupted Farming Plans: A farmer, speaking anonymously, stated, “We were celebrating the completion of this irrigation system and planning dry season farming. Now, we’re scared because cattle are damaging the canal and farmlands.”
- Calls for Urgent Action: Another farmer, Ben, called on authorities to intervene, warning that the damage threatens the federal government’s goal to establish Uzo-Uwani as a rice production hub.
- Abandoning Farms: Roseline Monday, a farmer, said she abandoned her farm last season due to fears of attacks. “Now, even with the completed canal, the roaming cattle are a big threat to our farming activities,” she lamented.
Community Fears Escalating Clashes
Youth farmer Ifeanyi echoed the concerns, emphasizing the potential for clashes if the situation persists. “We don’t want conflict; we just want to farm. But these animals threaten our livelihood,” he said, urging swift government intervention.
The Broader Impact
The ongoing destruction of irrigation infrastructure and farmlands not only jeopardizes food security in the region but also undermines significant government and international investments in agriculture. As fears grow among farmers, swift and decisive measures are needed to address the issue and restore confidence in the region’s agricultural future.
