In a bold step to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, the World Bank, through its Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has secured strategic support from the Israeli government to enhance pasture production and management technologies across the country.
At a workshop held in Abuja on sustainable pasture development, Dr. Chidozie Anyiniro, Task Team Leader for L-PRES, disclosed that the World Bank had obtained a Trust Fund from the Israeli government to share innovative solutions that would scale up pasture productivity, especially in Nigeria’s arid and semi-arid zones.
According to him, the intervention is expected to significantly boost livestock output, reduce dependence on natural pastures, and promote pasture agribusiness.
Dr. Anyiniro emphasized that technologies such as irrigation systems and productivity-enhancing innovations will empower local farmers to cultivate improved forage crops, even in dry regions.
This, he said, would also help mitigate recurring clashes between farmers and herders by addressing the root cause resource scarcity.
Sanusi Abubakar, the National Project Coordinator for L-PRES, noted that pasture and water remain the two most critical drivers of conflict in livestock farming communities.
He explained that L-PRES is collaborating with countries including Brazil, the Netherlands, and Israel to introduce proven pasture management models to 20 states participating in the project.
Echoing the urgency of the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Productivity, Idi Muktar Maiha, represented by Mr. Ishaq Bello, said the nation’s pasture challenges require innovative and collaborative solutions.
He described sustainable pasture management as a catalyst not only for agricultural advancement, but also for environmental restoration, economic growth, and peaceful coexistence.
Daniel Werner, Head of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation at Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s livestock transformation agenda through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and long-term cooperation.
In a related development, L-PRES has launched a three-day capacity-building workshop on farmer-herder conflict resolution for 116 key stakeholders in Akure, Ondo State.
Participants include farmers, pastoralists, traditional leaders, and security operatives drawn from the three senatorial districts.
Speaking at the event, Olufemi Adeogun, Ondo State L-PRES Coordinator, said the training is part of efforts to strengthen the livestock value chain by promoting harmony, resilience, and commercial viability.
Lead consultant, Ebruke Esike, identified poor enforcement of policies, lack of trust, and insincerity of purpose as core triggers of conflict, stating that the training would equip participants with practical tools for dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Also present at the training, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Foluke Daramola, reiterated the state government’s resolve to safeguard food security through proactive engagement, conflict resolution, and support for livestock-based livelihoods.
