In Iseyin Town, Oyo State, Nigeria, women are adopting nature-based livestock practices that protect biodiversity and strengthen their livelihoods. Through controlled grazing, silvopasture, and rotational grazing, they are restoring the environment while improving food security and earning income.
Iseyin is an ancient town in Oyo North, about 100 kilometres from Ibadan. With a population of more than 365,000, it is known for plant and livestock farming. But the area faces major challenges from overgrazing and climate change. Women in Iseyin are taking the lead to reverse the trend.
One of them is 59-year-old Risikat Olahanmi. She began raising goats and cattle when she was 27. Today, she manages a local ranch using controlled grazing and earns between 600,000 and 1.8 million Naira (about $400 to $1,200 US) per week. She says, “When I started livestock farming, some men didn’t take me seriously. But now, I have thousands of goats and cattle.”
She reveals, “Many farmers come to me to collect dung from my livestock to use as an organic manure for cultivation and planting instead of the inorganic fertilizers that add silt to their farmland, which in turn degrade the soil and disrupts the natural ecosystem of Iseyin.”
Mrs. Olahanmi also supports other women in her community by sharing knowledge at local meetings and training sessions. She says, “We’ve faced challenges like irregular rainfall and uncontrolled grazing, which affected many women livestock farmers. But I believe awareness of better practices will help them.”
She adds that she does not allow her livestock to defecate on water bodies, which causes water pollution and kills aquatics. She stated that organic manure from her livestock has helped reduce atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gases.
Mr. Ejembi Peter, farm supervisor at Ripple Ranch, emphasizes the environmental value of rotational grazing, which allows pastures to recover and helps restore biodiversity. He says, “Healthy animals lead to a balanced environment.”
In Iseyin, more farmers are now using sustainable practices like rotational grazing, silvopasture, and controlled grazing. These techniques help reduce land degradation, prevent deforestation, and improve resilience to climate change.
Rotational grazing involves moving livestock between pastures to allow grass and soil to regenerate. Silvopasture combines trees, forage plants, and livestock in one system. Controlled grazing ensures livestock graze only in designated areas, giving land time to recover.
To support these practices, the Oyo State government passed the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, which bans open grazing. Violators may face fines of 500,000 Naira (about $334 US) or up to five years in prison. A task force that includes local leaders, farmers’ associations, and government officials enforces the law.
Still, resistance remains. Some nomadic herders oppose the ban, citing lack of infrastructure and concerns about economic survival. This has slowed wider adoption of sustainable practices and sometimes causes tension between farmers and herders.
Nevertheless, many local livestock dealers support nature-based practices. Mr. Ashiru Abdul, chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Livestock Dealers of Nigeria, says farmers need more than taxes from the government—they need security from theft and support to modernize their systems.
Despite these challenges, women remain at the centre of progress in Iseyin. Some, like Mrs. Olahanmi, are expanding into dairy production and selling milk, meat, and wara, a local cheese made from cow milk. Their efforts boost family nutrition and generate income.
Thanks to improved grazing systems, women spend less time searching for pasture and more time earning income. They can invest in other ventures and better care for their families. Healthier animals mean more milk and meat, improving food security at the household level.
The environmental benefits are also clear. Better grazing reduces air pollution and preserves biodiversity, while protecting water bodies and improving soil fertility.
Women livestock farmers are calling for more resources, training, and policies that support eco-friendly practices. Their leadership is helping communities shift toward more resilient farming systems.
In Iseyin, sustainable livestock practices aren’t just improving the land— they’re reshaping gender dynamics, livelihoods, and the future of rural families.
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