FG Launches Pilot Cattle Ranch Scheme to Reduce Herder-Farmer Conflicts in Nigeria

Aimed at reducing conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria, the Federal Government has initiated a pilot cattle ranch program for herders.

The announcement was made by the Acting Director of Resource Mobilization and Partnership Building, Safiyanu Yavala, on behalf of the Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Yusuf Bukar.

Yavala expressed regret that the conflicts, exacerbated by climate change, have led to numerous casualties, displacements, resettlements, and loss of assets such as livestock.

In response, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall has developed a survival mechanism following a strategic action plan through the establishment of a Cattle Ranch, Fodder farm, and Orchard model to strengthen the capacities of the affected victims.

During a capacity building and Technical Training session on Pilot Cattle Ranch, Fodder farm, and Orchard planting in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall collaborated with Wetland Farmers in Nguru Cooperative Society to encourage communities to join the common purpose of combating land degradation.

Baba Othman, National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, emphasized the potential for a significant boost to the economy through income regeneration when cattle ranching is backed by essential infrastructure and other social amenities.

He further stated that the Nigerian livestock is mostly reared through extensive grazing in marginal lands and grazing reserves.

To achieve sustainable cattle ranching, the government must invest in veterinary services and animal disease surveillance, support development of livestock value chains, and promote the integration of livestock with crop and forestry systems.

In his keynote address, Abba Liman, Chairman of the Nguru Wetland Farmers’ Cooperative Association, highlighted the growing conflict between farmers due to factors such as land scarcity for grazing and population increase. He called for additional support from the federal government.

The upcoming three-day training program will provide participants with hands-on experience in Livestock Breeding Management, demonstrations of Climate Smart Agricultural practices, and training on Orchard Plantation using the Half-moon planting method.

The Federal Government’s initiative aims to address the escalating conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria and promote sustainable cattle ranching practices.