The Use of Radio Frequency Identification as a Security Measure to Control Cattle Rustling in Nigeria

The goal of this paper is to propose an avenue to minimise cattle rustling in Nigeria. The proposed solutions, which involve the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders, readers and software have been tested both in the laboratory and in barns as documented by various authors. Electronic identification of animal could be exploited by farmers as an interesting opportunity to increase traceability of stolen or missing animals. However, RFID system is faced with some challenges. Financially, a system as vast as RFID could be extremely costly. In countries were RFID is made mandatory for all farmers, there is concern that the costs of complying with the program will drive small farmers out of business, due to the cost associated with registering each animal. Small farmers and families that sell off parts of their herds or flocks periodically, would have to register and pay a registration fee for every head of livestock or poultry, while corporate farms with large herds or flocks that move through the production chain as a group, will only have to pay the fee equivalent of owning one animal. Another major challenge is that, the system is mostly suitable for larger animal. Using RFID in poultry management might not be profitable. Therefore, the most appropriate and affordable traceability could be achieved through the use of Global Position System (GPS).

Keywords: Animal tracking, animal surveillance, electronic identification, herd management, traceability.