FG promotes ranching to tackle farmer-herder clashes

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address farmer-herder conflicts by promoting ranching and reviving grazing reserves nationwide.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said his office, working with the Ministry of Livestock Development, has begun rehabilitating existing grazing reserves and ranches, starting with the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Abuja. According to him, a nationwide audit of ranches and the country’s 417 grazing reserves is ongoing to identify facilities that can be upgraded before establishing new ones.

Ajimobi emphasised that the initiative goes beyond training farmers, noting that infrastructure development is key to the success of modern livestock practices. He added that revitalised reserves would serve as a foundation for a sustainable ranching system, which has proven effective in other countries.

He expressed optimism that the programme would help reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders, describing the scale of the reserves as both extensive and challenging.

The presidential aide also revealed that the administration of Bola Tinubu is prioritising food security, which led to the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development. He noted that the government aims to improve nutrition, with a target of ensuring every child has access to basic protein intake daily.

On insecurity in rural areas, Ajimobi stressed the need for community involvement in tackling kidnapping and banditry, noting that poverty and local collaboration often enable criminal activities. He added that modernising livestock systems and involving local communities in security efforts would complement the work of the armed forces.

Highlighting investment prospects, he said the government has secured major agreements in the livestock sector, including a $1.5bn deal with global meat processor JBS, a cooperation pact with France, and a £100m dairy agreement signed during a recent visit to the United Kingdom. He also noted growing interest from Saudi Arabia in Nigeria’s beef exports.

Ajimobi expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration between government, communities, and private investors, the livestock sector reforms would help curb conflicts and boost economic growth.