Action Against Hunger (ACF), in collaboration with regional and national partners, has launched a £10 million initiative aimed at transforming pastoral livelihoods and livestock marketing across Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.
The project, titled Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), seeks to improve the resilience and income of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities through enhanced livestock value chains and better cross-border trade.
Announcing the initiative in Yola during a two-day national workshop, ACF Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Thierno Diallo — represented by Mr. Emmanuel Pmabi, ACF Field Coordinator in Borno — said the four-year project targets vulnerable communities in the Lake Chad Basin region.
“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable agro-pastoral communities. It will open up new markets and ensure reliable off-takers for livestock products,” Diallo said.
He added that while climate change remains a challenge, lack of access to reliable markets has severely constrained livestock producers — an issue PASCO aims to address by creating sustainable market linkages.
Chief of Party for PASCO, Mr. Jocelin Glaguidi, called the initiative a strategic response to the economic and security challenges facing border communities.
“This project will promote inclusive governance, cross-border trade, and sustainable natural resource management within the Lake Chad Basin,” Glaguidi said.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed commitment to livestock development — highlighted by the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024.
“With the right infrastructure, enhanced security, and strong collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border livestock value chains that will benefit pastoralists and increase national revenue,” he stated.
The Minister acknowledged persistent challenges — such as insecurity and climate-related disruptions — but assured stakeholders of the Federal Government’s active efforts to mitigate them.
Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, State Technical Director of Livestock Development in Borno, hailed PASCO as a timely boost to ongoing efforts by the Borno State Government.
“The governor has established international cattle markets in several local government areas to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience in post-conflict communities. This project will further boost productivity,” Kadal noted, adding that previously inaccessible areas in Borno are now opening up for livestock trade and development.
Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its Minka Peace and Resilience Fund, the PASCO project is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Applications of Development Methods (IRAM), in partnership with ACF and other regional stakeholders.
The launch event brought together government representatives, NGOs, development partners, and leaders from pastoral communities across the Lake Chad region.
