The Federal Government through the Ministry of Livestock Development has officially commenced the development of the kawu grazing reserve in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a model, climate-smart grazing territory to address farmer-herder clashes and remove roaming cattle from the city centre.
The initiative, led by the ministry in collaboration with stakeholders, was aimed at modernising grazing practices, improving pastoral livelihoods, and reducing farmer-herder conflicts across the country.
Speaking during a working visit at the weekend , the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha stated that the project represents the practical take-off of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the livestock sector.
“Those were not empty promises. Here today, we have come with a bag full of commitment, dedication, and passion,” the Minister declared.
He said that the Kawu grazing reserve covers about 9,000 hectares of land with an estimated 30,000 cattle and 10,000 residents.
Explaining key interventions at the grazing reserve, the minister noted the provision of water facilities, pasture cultivation, and plans for renewable energy.
“We have inspected a dam that is the only source of water during the dry season in this area. The dam will be converted into a source of water for dry season pasture cultivation,” the Minister noted.
According to him, there are plans to install five to six motorized boreholes for potable water and animal use, as the first-ever borehole drilling in the reserve is currently ongoing.
AgroNigeria gathered that other commitments include; solar-powered rural electrification, rehabilitation of schools and health facilities, improved road networks, training of community health workers and establishment of a functional veterinary clinic.
“We are saying that this grazing reserve is going to come alive… This is the way to go. Renewed Hope Agenda is in the field, boots on the ground,” the Minister assured.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator of the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (LPRES), Sanusi Abubakar, reaffirmed the project’s role in complementing government efforts. “We are coming with a lot of activities to do with the provision of water, pasture, and animal health enhancement which are very critical to reduce the drivers of conflict.
“These two are the main drivers of conflict, and if we get it right, I believe we will reduce the conflict,” he stated.
He added that the livestock master plan, recently unveiled in collaboration with the ministry, is now being implemented.
His words: “Certainly, pasture, water, and provision of basic amenities are part of the livestock master plan. We are starting it. It’s a synergy between all the agencies.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, revealed that the 2024 budget allocated ₦13 billion to the sector, with additional funding secured from development partners.
“The aim of the government is not to wait. We are kickstarting as soon as possible with this pilot project,” he said.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Olamide Fagbuji, assured that the grazing reserve would be climate-smart.
“What you are seeing today is the beginning of a great initiative.
“All the energy that will be used in this place will be clean. The mechanism ensures that we do this sustainably,” he said.
Leaders of pastoralist groups also pledged their support, specifically National President, Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Khalil Mohammed Bello, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu.
“We were neglected for over 70 years. He is the first person who considered us and created a special ministry for us to develop the livestock sector. That is why he deserves commendation,” Bello said.
He affirmed the readiness of herders to embrace relocation.
“Wherever you have seen pastoralists, they were being forced to move in search of animal feed and water. If the government, in its magnanimity, has provided what we are searching for, why can’t we come here? We are ready. We accept it in totality,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says Kawu Grazing Reserve will serve as a model for the development of over 1,400 grazing reserves nationwide under the Renewed Hope Livestock Villages initiative.
