The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has emphasized the need to adopt modern methods that can help address environmental challenges and improve the wellbeing of livestock-reliant communities.
Speaking at a workshop on sustainable pasture production held in Abuja, Maiha, represented by his aide, Ishaq Bello, called for proper management of grazing areas, which he added is now essential to avoid further land degradation and ensure peaceful use of natural resources.
According to him, better handling of pasture is not just about farming. It also helps to ease pressure on the environment, reduce friction between communities, and support economic growth in rural areas.
He added that the country must work with both local and international partners to bring in practical technologies that suit Nigeria’s climate.
One of the central points of the event was the need to rethink how pasturelands are used.
These areas, vital for livestock production, are increasingly facing problems like overuse, soil erosion and changing weather patterns. This has affected food supplies and contributed to rising tensions over access to grazing land.
Also, Sanusi Abubakar, National Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), said the goal of the meeting was to find simple, effective tools that farmers and herders can use to take better care of pastureland.
He explained that the sustainable pasture production project, which is backed by the World Bank with a six-year budget of 500 million dollars, is designed to raise the productivity of livestock, open up business opportunities, and prevent conflicts.
He noted that the project focuses on three main areas: strengthening institutions and research, improving livestock-related businesses, and helping communities manage risks and avoid conflict.
Participants in the workshop included farmers, researchers, government officials, and development partners from both Nigeria and abroad.
They explored how climate-smart tools and digital solutions can be applied to help manage rangelands, especially in the northern dry zones where pressure on land is growing.
