President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime and the Yobe government say they have set aside N12 billion to establish integrated livestock development centres in its three senatorial districts.

Idrissa Madaki, manager of the Yobe Pilot Livestock Development Programme, disclosed this on Monday.

Mr Madaki said the programme aimed to increase the value chain in livestock products, curb farmers-herders violent conflicts, and provide basic infrastructure for nomadic education.

“Research has also shown that if a cow is settled in one place, it can give birth to one calf every year as against one calf in about three years,” Mr Madaki stated. ”Domesticated animals are healthier than stray animals because they are well-fed with a nutritious diet.”

The manager said the government designated three grazing reserves of Badegana, Gurjaji, and Jakusko-Nasaru for the project.

Mr Madaki added that the centres would have veterinary clinics, administrative blocks, boreholes, milking points, schools, artificial insemination units, warehouses, fishponds, staff, and farmers’ training sections.

“The centres are not only for the Fulani. Any resident of Yobe can go in and settle with his cattle, sheep, and even goats,” he pointed out. “We are going to provide land and improved seeds to farmers for pasture development. With this, we are creating a symbiotic relationship in which a farmer can cultivate pasture and sell to herdsmen.”