By Eniola Arowolo
The Alternative Bank has officially handed over its alfalfa production investment to Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU), marking the beginning of a new era in sustainable animal feed development and climate-adaptive agriculture.
The initiative—launched through a public-private partnership involving the Alternative Bank, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and PLASU—aims to scale the cultivation of alfalfa, a high-protein, nitrogen-fixing legume known for its value in livestock nutrition and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Gbenga Awe, Group Head of Structured Trade and Commodities Finance at the Alternative Bank, emphasized the project’s broader goals beyond simply growing a new crop.
“This collaboration with Plateau State University goes beyond simply growing alfalfa; it’s about establishing a long-term, sustainable agricultural system,” he said, stating that the bank’s non-interest financing approach is tailored to support initiatives that yield both economic and social returns.
Awe added that the bank is confident in PLASU’s ability to deliver results, highlighting a projected yield of 10 tons per hectare as a target the bank is proud to support.
Alfalfa—commonly grown in Kenya and Mexico—is being introduced to Plateau due to its favorable climate and history of livestock farming. The plant not only provides nutrient-rich feed for livestock but also contributes to environmental restoration through soil enrichment and reduced erosion.
Professor Shedrach Gaya Best, Vice Chancellor of PLASU, welcomed the handover, describing it as a natural extension of the university’s long-standing involvement in agricultural training and livestock development.
“We’ve operated a dairy farm and agricultural training facilities here for many years, and we’re proud to build on that foundation.
“We’ve addressed initial challenges in the alfalfa trials and established water infrastructure to support its continued success,” he said.
Dr. Hosea Finangwai, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at PLASU, added that the alfalfa seeds were sourced from Kenya due to similar climatic conditions.
“Our early trials have shown promising results. The next phase will focus on scaling up production and evaluating seed yield,” he explained.
The crop’s successful introduction, Finangwai noted, could help overcome feed shortages and reduce reliance on expensive imported seeds.
He also affirmed that Bokkos’ near-temperate climate made it the most suitable site after failed trials elsewhere in the state.
Richard Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, called the initiative a “blueprint for national transformation,” pointing out its potential to curb seasonal pastoral migration and reduce conflicts between herders and farmers.
“This initiative goes beyond simply cultivating a plant—it’s about strengthening our food systems, reducing conflicts, and equipping both farmers and pastoralists with tools to adapt to climate challenges,” Mbaram said.
Local farmers have expressed interest, with Alex Amos, a potato farmer near Lamingo Dam in Jos, admitting that although he had not heard of alfalfa before, he sees promise in its potential.
“The issue is often not with the crop itself, but whether there’s a market for it,” he remarked.
Ene Ameh, a wheat farmer in Jos South, shared a similar opinion: “I’ve never been inclined toward feed crops, but after learning more about alfalfa, I’m willing to try it once seeds become available.”
With PLASU now at the helm, stakeholders say the project is set to revolutionize livestock feed production in Nigeria—ushering in sustainable practices, reducing conflict, and enhancing rural livelihoods.
