By: Haruna Kuyateh
Livestock authorities and community stakeholders in the North Bank Region (NBR) have called for the protection and demarcation of cattle tracks to reduce conflicts between crop farmers and livestock owners ahead of the 2026 farming season.
The Regional Livestock Directorate, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor and the National Livestock Owners Association of NBR, have launched a community outreach program in Kasewa, Kerr Werigo, Chamunding in Upper Niumi, and Ndungu Kebbeh in Lower Niumi to identify and demarcate cattle tracks and grazing areas.
The initiative aims to address recurring disputes between crop and livestock farmers and facilitate the erection of concrete pillars along identified cattle routes and rangelands.
Speaking to The Voice in Kerewan, the Regional Livestock Director for the North Bank Region, Madou Camara, said the outreach program seeks to ensure cooperation among all stakeholders in respecting and protecting designated cattle tracks.
He said community engagement would facilitate the speedy installation of concrete markers on demarcated cattle routes and rangelands while promoting peaceful coexistence between farming and livestock communities.
Camara noted that many disputes in the region stem from encroachment on cattle tracks and grazing lands, particularly in border areas such as Ndungu Kebbeh and Kerr Werigo.
He said the exercise would help discourage the illegal occupation of cattle routes and serve as a mechanism for preventing conflicts between crop farmers and livestock owners.
The livestock director urged district authorities to work closely with the Department of Livestock Services, the National Livestock Owners Association and security agencies to resolve disputes before the onset of the rainy season.
The mapping exercise in Kasewa was witnessed by representatives of the Upper Niumi district chief, officials of the Kuntaya Police Station, the Regional Physical Planning Office and the Regional Livestock Directorate.
Speakers at the event described the exercise as an important step towards safeguarding cattle tracks and grazing areas, stressing that encroachment for residential or agricultural purposes would not be tolerated.
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