FG launches pilot cattle ranch scheme to mitigate herders, farmers clash, crisis

The federal government has launched a pilot cattle ranch programme for herders to lessen tension between farmers and herders across the country.

According to sources, Safiyanu Yavala, Acting Director of Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Building, announced the development on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of Yusuf Bukar, Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, at a capacity building and technical training session on Pilot Cattle Ranch, Fodder Farm, and Orchard planting in Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe State, Yavala expressed regret that conflicts between farmers and herders, exacerbated by climate change, have resulted in numerous casualties, displacements, resettlements, and loss of assets such as livestock.

He said: “In recognition of all this, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall 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.

“This is why today, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall in collaboration with Wetland Farmers in Nguru Cooperative Society are here to encourage the communities to join the common purpose of participating in the efforts to combat land degradation.”

Speaking at the event, Baba Othman, National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, explained that when cattle ranching is adequately supported by essential infrastructure and other social amenities, the economy can benefit significantly from income regeneration.

“Bulk of the Nigerian livestock is reared through extensive grazing in marginal lands and grazing reserves. History of grazing reserves, stock routes, forage production, and pasture development is a bit to be repeated here, but associate problems of management, encroachment, degradation, vegetation depletion and land titles are scary and potent, as to warrant fresh strategies and synergy to arrest the situation from getting worst.

“To achieve sustainable cattle ranching, the government must improve the productivity and efficiency of the cattle production system, invest in veterinary services and animal disease surveillance, support development of livestock value chain and promote the integration of livestock with crop and forestry system,” Channels Television quoted Othman saying.

During his keynote talk, Abba Liman, Chairman of the Nguru Wetland Farmers' Cooperative Association, underlined the escalating conflict among farmers caused by causes such as land scarcity for grazing and population growth. He also emphasised the need for greater federal funding.

According to him, the upcoming three-day training programme will give participants hands-on experience in Livestock Breeding Management, demonstrations of Climate Smart Agricultural methods, and training in Orchard Plantation using the Half-moon planting method.