Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha has stated categorically that ranching is the way to go in the nation’s quest for sustainable development in the Livestock sector.
He made the declaration at the maiden edition of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) which opened on Monday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. The theme of the event is “Livestock Rebiy: Accelerating Renewed Hope.”
In his words,”The era of open grazing is unsustainable and a source of persistent conflict. Our strategy is clear: rehabilitate the 417 grazing reserves into modern, secure, and economically viable Renewed Hope Livestock Villages (RHLVs). Crucially, we must promote ranching as the definitive, modern solution.”
He went ahead to appeal to state governments to support this new push by allocating land to interested pastoralists.
The Minister stressed that apart from being an economic policy it is also a strategy for avoidance of conflict and sustenance of peace among the various players along the agriculture value chain.
“I call upon all state governments to allocate suitable land to pastoralists who are willing to embrace this modern practice. This is not merely an economic policy; it is a profound commitment to social harmony and peace.
“Ranching provides security of tenure, allows for investment in feed and water, animal health and fosters a settled, prosperous community, thereby eliminating the root causes of farmer-herder clashes.
The Minister highlighted other priority areas which the Council and by extension the nation must engage in order to turn around the current narrative.
They include: breed improvement and genetic resources, food security, job creation and poverty reduction.
He called on all members of the council to forge a united, common front to tackle the challenges.
“The path ahead demands a unified and common approach from all states. The challenges of the livestock sector—from perennial conflicts to low productivity—transcend state boundaries. We cannot afford a fragmented response.
“This Council must serve as the platform to harmonize our policies and ensure that the NL-GAS is implemented uniformly across the federation.