The Jigawa government says it has embarked on a N4.5 billion project to establish three cattle ranches to encourage livestock development and end farmers/herders clashes.

Salim Abdulrahman, Commissioner for Livestock Development, said this in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Dutse.

He said that the fund was part of the N17.2 billion earmarked for livestock development in the 2026 fiscal year.

Mr Abdulrahman said that the cattle ranches, designed with modern facilities, pasture and water points, would be established across the three senatorial districts in the state.

He listed the projects to include Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim, Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa, and Kukar Mekiya in Kiyawa.

“Each of the ranches covers 510 hectares of land and is designed to accommodate 3,000 households.

“These ranches will provide high-quality feed for livestock, schools for children, healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics, markets, electricity and water supply.

“The aim is to combat the frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the state,” he said.

According to Mr Abdulrahman, plans are underway to establish veterinary clinics across the 27 local government areas, seven zonal veterinary clinics and a central referral veterinary centre.

He said that the initiative would also involve the renovation of existing veterinary centres to enhance the quality of service delivery.

The commissioner said that mobile veterinary clinics had also been deployed across the 27 LGAs, providing healthcare services to livestock farmers.

Mr Abdulrahman said that the ministry had also embarked on upgrading three livestock breeding centres in Gumel, Birniwa and Kagauma.

He said that the state government had earmarked N350 million for the next round of livestock vaccination.

“The ranching initiative, mobile veterinary services and vaccination programme are part of a broader effort to strengthen livestock production and address challenges affecting the sector in Jigawa.”

Also, Abdullahi Abubakar, national deputy treasurer, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bauchi State, has advocated a shift from traditional cattle rearing to modern ranching.

Mr Abubakar said that embracing ranching and reducing cattle population to manageable levels would help address perennial clashes between farmers and herders.

He highlighted that the transition from traditional open grazing to organised livestock management would reduce competition over land, water and other natural resources.

“One of the practical ways to prevent farmers/herders clashes is to gradually reduce dependence on traditional cattle rearing and embrace modern livestock management systems,” he said.

Mr Abubakar urged cattle breeders to reduce the number of animals they keep and invest in feed processing, animal healthcare and management.

He said that maintaining a manageable number of cattle would enable herders to provide adequate care for their animals while reducing pressure on available grazing land and other natural resources.

Mr Abubakar attributed the increasing pressure on land and other resources to population growth and the impact of climate change.

He said that competition between farmers and herders continued to trigger misunderstandings and conflicts.

The official urged pastoralists to acquire land and establish properly managed ranches where their animals could be raised under controlled conditions.

He said that ranching would provide a more organised approach to livestock production, improve animal welfare and reduce indiscriminate cattle movement, resulting in crop destruction and disputes.

Mr Abubakar also enjoined pastoralists to adapt to changing environmental and agricultural conditions by adopting modern livestock production practices.

“Effective implementation of ranching alongside responsible livestock management will help address some of the underlying causes of farmers/herders conflicts,” he said.

(NAN)