Why We Dont Eat Goat Meat – Fulani

 Most people relish a good meal with variety of assorted animal protein – ranging from cow meat, goat meat, poultry, to assorted kinds of seafood either fresh or smoked.

Of all the proteins, it is believed that goat meat is a must have in meals because it cuts across various cultures and tribes in Nigeria. Meals like smoky jollof rice, stews, and soups such as ogbono, egusi, kukah, maiyan taushe, okro, goat meat pepper soup,nkwobi alongside several other delicacies, are not considered complete without the presence of the ever tasty goat meat. 

Intrestingly, the Fulani people in northern Nigeria are known for their culture of abstaining from eating goat meat. Their belief for this long-standing tradition is that any Fulani who consumes goat meat will experience some health challenges including rashes, persistent stomach ache and even hernia.

Weekend Trust investigation across some northern states revealed that, despite modernisation, Fulani people in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Jahunawa Fulani of Bauchi, Gombe and Kano states as well as several Fulani communities in Sokoto state are still observing this culture.

In Sokoto State, abstinence from eating goat meat is not restricted to only Fulani people, as other tribes, including Hausa, also do not eat goat meat for similar reasons. However, in Jahun, the abstinence depends on age. Teenagers of 18 years and below can eat goat meat without encountering any health issues, while people who are 19 years and above encounter stomach complications once they eat it.