FG Plans Rehabilitation of 417 Grazing Reserves Nationwide

The Federal Government plans to rehabilitate 417 grazing reserves and establish modern ranching settlements in areas affected by farmers-herders clashes.

Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha disclosed the plan on Tuesday after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Maiha said the initiative aims to reduce the long-running conflict while modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry. He identified Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa and the FCT as priority areas because of their history of clashes.

The government has already identified 417 grazing reserves nationwide and started a pilot ranching scheme in Plateau State. The programme will test a production model designed to reduce cattle movement in search of pasture and water.

Maiha said the government was consulting pastoral communities and about 34 organisations to support the gradual shift from nomadic livestock production to modern ranching. He added that another meeting with pastoral communities should take place within two weeks.

The minister said traditional livestock production has become increasingly difficult because farming, urbanisation and infrastructure projects have reduced many grazing routes.

“Why don’t you provide these resources and stop these animals from moving? Human beings can move; they don’t cause crises. It’s the animals’ movement that normally generates this crisis,” Maiha said.

The proposed ranches would include housing, veterinary clinics, schools, healthcare facilities, solar power and earth dams. Maiha said each reserve could become an economic hub supporting livestock production and related businesses.

The government also plans to promote commercial pasture and fodder production, improved cattle breeds, milk processing, modular abattoirs and biodigesters. Private investment in modern abattoirs and large-scale dairy projects will also receive encouragement.

As part of its livestock reforms, the government plans to introduce radio-frequency identification tags for cattle and other animals. Maiha said the technology would help establish ownership, track livestock and support a national database.

The government has also built seven model veterinary clinics and plans to establish at least one model veterinary hospital in every state.

Maiha said the wider livestock reform programme aims to reduce conflict, improve animal productivity, create jobs and turn grazing reserves into commercially productive communities.

Could modern ranching and stronger livestock services provide a lasting solution to Nigeria’s farmers-herders clashes?