Spaces & Flows: Ninth International Conference on Urban and ExtraUrban Studies

Abstract

Cattle invasion of Nigerian cities and their struggle for way on city highways and other spaces to the discomfiture of city public and Government appears symptomatic of dire conditions of adjustment of the triad of human ecology, varying perceptions of urban integrity and tolerance of pastoral agency. This paper looks at the flow of herdsmen from rural wetlands to urban spaces as reflecting a changing human ecology. While ecological pressure mounts, herdsmen tend to transfer grazing activities to urban markets, transgressing forbidden urban spaces. Whereas the public upholds ‘sanctity’ of urban spaces, herdsmen justify their urban presence on grounds of occupational freedom and protective regional protocols. The questions that require answers are what inform cities’ tolerance of pastoral infractions? Where do Governments and urban public draw the line in tolerating urban stocks? To find answers, the paper reviews reactions to cattle invasion of some ranked cities. Efforts at checking forays are also ranked. Urban rank is compared with foray restriction rank. It was found that agencies commit greater efforts to integrity of the most significant cities. Space protection against debilitating flows is tied to politics of aesthetics; potential for damage to national image and cosmopolitan risks aversion.