The Federal Government has announced plans to establish 417 grazing reserves across the country as part of efforts to promote ranch-based livestock production, improve animal husbandry practices and provide herders with access to water, veterinary services, and adequate feed.
It is also a means to mitigate and reduce herdsmen/farmers clashes across the country.
Disclosing this Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory during a meeting with members of the Miyetti Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, urged pastoralists to gradually abandon the traditional practice of constant movement in search of pasture and water.
The minister averred that rising population, climate pressures and the expansion of farmlands have significantly reduced available grazing areas, making the nomadic system increasingly unsustainable.
He noted that many livestock are now exposed to poor feeding conditions due to shrinking natural grasslands, stressing that settled livestock production would enhance breeding, improve pasture management and boost productivity.
Explaining that the ministry was already collaborating with state governments to develop the proposed grazing reserves and create conditions that would foster peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, the minister further encouraged pastoral groups to sensitise their members on modern livestock practices, including ranching, animal identification, pasture cultivation and improved breeding techniques.
He described ranching as a controlled system of animal production within designated areas, saying it would help reduce conflicts and strengthen the livestock economy.
He also noted that the Ministry of Livestock Development, established by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024, was created to drive reforms in the sector through innovation, private investment and sustainable policy direction.
Maiha said that the long-term goal of the ministry is to formalise livestock production, increase its contribution to national revenue, create employment opportunities and boost local production of meat and dairy products for both domestic consumption and export.
Earlier, the National President of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, represented by the group’s National General Secretary, Mr Moh’d Dodo, called for stronger government support for pastoral communities.
He appealed for the establishment of the Office of Special Assistant to the President on Fulani Matters and urged increased investment in modern grazing infrastructure, youth empowerment programmes and livestock value chain development.
Suleiman also advocated closer collaboration between pastoral groups and security agencies to enhance conflict prevention, intelligence sharing and the protection of rural communities.
He maintained that improved grazing infrastructure and structured engagement would help reduce livestock movement and promote lasting peace and coexistence across the country.
Source: AgroNigeria