The Jigawa State Government has committed N4.5 billion to establishing three cattle ranches across the state as part of efforts to modernise livestock production and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Salim Abdulrahman, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Dutse, saying the funding was part of the N17.2 billion allocated to livestock development in the 2026 fiscal year.
He said the ranches, which would feature modern facilities, pasture and water points, would be established across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The proposed locations are Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim, Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa and Kukar Mekiya in Kiyawa.
“Each of the ranches covers 510 hectares of land and is designed to accommodate 3,000 households.
“These ranches will provide high-quality feed for livestock, schools for children, healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics, markets, electricity and water supply.
“The aim is to combat the frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the state,” he said.
Abdulrahman said the government was also planning to establish veterinary clinics across the state’s 27 local government areas, alongside seven zonal veterinary clinics and a central referral veterinary centre.
He added that existing veterinary centres would be renovated to improve service delivery, while mobile veterinary clinics had been deployed across the 27 local government areas to provide healthcare services to livestock farmers.
The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry had begun upgrading three livestock breeding centres in Gumel, Birniwa and Kagauma.
He said the state government had earmarked N350 million for the next round of livestock vaccination.
“The ranching initiative, mobile veterinary services and vaccination programme are part of a broader effort to strengthen livestock production and address challenges affecting the sector in Jigawa.”
Meanwhile, Abdullahi Abubakar, the National Deputy Treasurer of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bauchi State, has called for a transition from traditional cattle rearing to modern ranching.
Abubakar said adopting organised livestock management and keeping manageable herd sizes could help reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
He explained that moving away from open grazing would ease competition for land, water and other natural resources, which often triggers disputes between farming and pastoralist communities.
“One of the practical ways to prevent farmers/herders clashes is to gradually reduce dependence on traditional cattle rearing and embrace modern livestock management systems,” he said.
He urged cattle breeders to reduce their herd sizes and invest in feed processing, animal healthcare and improved livestock management.
According to him, maintaining manageable numbers of cattle would enable herders to provide better care for their animals while reducing pressure on grazing land and other resources.
Abubakar attributed the growing pressure on land and natural resources to population growth and climate change, noting that competition for these resources continued to fuel misunderstandings and conflicts.
He advised pastoralists to acquire land and establish properly managed ranches where cattle could be raised under controlled conditions.
He said ranching would provide a more organised system of livestock production, improve animal welfare and reduce indiscriminate cattle movement, which often results in crop destruction and disputes.
Abubakar also urged pastoralists to adapt to changing environmental and agricultural conditions by embracing modern livestock production practices.
“Effective implementation of ranching alongside responsible livestock management will help address some of the underlying causes of farmers/herders conflicts,” he said.
