Share
Opemipo Ogunleye
2 months ago
Overview
FG to convert 417 grazing reserves into modern livestock villages
The federal government has unveiled plans to transform Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves into fully functional “Renewed Hope Livestock Villages” equipped with modern infrastructure and essential services.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar-powered mini-grids across the reserves.
According to Maiha, the initiative will provide stable electricity, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, abattoirs, veterinary services, irrigation systems, road networks, clean water, and security infrastructure. The goal, he said, is to resettle pastoralists, boost livestock production, and reduce recurring herder-farmer conflicts.
He added that the initiative will not only modernise livestock production but also curb migration of herders, reduce violent clashes, and open up new economic opportunities in rural areas.
“Nomadic pastoralism is no longer sustainable due to climate change, increasing competition for scarce resources, and the growing size of the national herd.
“We are rehabilitating these reserves to improve quality of life, modernise livestock farming, and incentivise pastoralists to remain in settled communities.”
He added that pilot projects have already been identified in Wawazangi (Gombe State), Wasem (Plateau State), Gongoshin (Adamawa State), and Ka’u (Bwari Area Council, FCT), where solar grids will soon be deployed.
Maiha explained that the Renewed Hope Livestock Villages would feature earth dams, pasture cultivation facilities, schools, health centres, and veterinary clinics. The programme, he noted, will benefit not only cattle herders but also pig, goat, and sheep farmers across the country.
“Millions of pastoralists and animal keepers, even outside the grazing reserves, will benefit from this MoU,” he said, adding that rehabilitation would be phased and tailored to the peculiar needs of each reserve.
On his part, REA’s Executive Secretary, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership aligns with the agency’s mandate to power rural communities and key sectors through renewable energy.
“If you have a grazing reserve with schools, health centres, markets, and abattoirs, that is a perfect cluster for electrification.
“This partnership is a marriage of convenience to energize communities and boost productivity in the livestock sector.”
Credit: The Nation
