We’re modernising grazing reserves – Minister

In this interview, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muhtar Maiha, speaks on the state of grazing reserves in Nigeria and what he intends to do.   How would you describe the state of grazing reserves across the country? Since coming on board, this ministry has had an extensive tour of the 417 grazing […]

In this interview, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muhtar Maiha, speaks on the state of grazing reserves in Nigeria and what he intends to do.

 

How would you describe the state of grazing reserves across the country?

Since coming on board, this ministry has had an extensive tour of the 417 grazing reserves in the country. We have had stakeholder engagement with pastoral communities, traditional rulers and the business community. I have come to the full realisation that pastoralism as is being practised today is no longer sustainable into the future because of a number of reasons, such as climate change and acute competition for scarce resources.

The national herd is increasing in size and there’s so much demand and expectation for our livestock sector. We feel that the grazing reserves we had in this country before independence have suffered various degrees of abandonment.

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We have come up with a model we call Renewed Hope Livestock Village, where most of these grazing reserves are going to be rehabilitated with a number of social amenities. We will build earth dams – many of them have earth dams that will need to be de-silted for the cultivation of pasture throughout the year. We will put primary schools there for the children of herders. We will build primary health care for the families of herders, veterinary clinics, as well as other facilities.

For quality of lives to improve in those areas, we need to incentivise the pastoralists to remain there and have access to other economic activities. We need to energise those areas. The best way to do it is not to rely on national grid. We have discovered that there is a very competent federal government agency called the Rural Edification Agency. We had several discussions that led into writing up a memorandum of understanding between them and us, which has been signed. They will soon start rolling out solar grids into some of these grazing reserves.

 

How many of these reserves are you electrifying?

We have already identified Wawa-Zange in Gombe State, Wase in Plateau State and Gongoshin in Adamawa State. We have also identified Kawu in Bwari Area Council under the FCT. They are ready to roll out and improve quality of lives. We are saying that this is a renewed agenda.

It is becoming life. It is becoming a reality that it is going to touch the lives and livelihood of a large number of people. In fact, millions of animals and pastoralists all over the country are going to enjoy this.

And it is not only going to be limited to the grazing reserves. Wherever we have a cluster of animal keepers, whether you are doing piggery, goat, sheep or cattle on a large scale, even if you are not in the grazing reserve, once you are domiciled there permanently, we will work with the state government and make sure that you get impacted. 

 

How many of the reserves have been equipped with irrigation facilities and how many are you renovating?

The ones I mentioned now are going to be the pilot grazing reserves. We have 417; and there are various levels of disrepair etc. We are taking it pilot by pilot. And once we are able to rehabilitate and resettle those I mentioned, we will now take a study and see the weak points, strength points and where we need to take because you can’t have a one-size-fits-all solution.

For the millions of pastoralists, this is hope realised. It is Renewed Hope in action. This memorandum of understanding is a testament to our commitment to work together towards a common goal. By providing solar-powered grids to these reserves upon their rehabilitation and resettlement, we are laying foundation for a more secure, productive and peaceful future.

The provision of clean, renewable energy will have a transformative impact. It will power irrigation systems, enabling year-round access to fodder and water for livestock, thereby improving the quality of our herds. It will also bring light to these communities, enhancing security, improving access to education and health care and creating new economic opportunities. This initiative will not only boost our country’s food security but also stimulate local economies by creating jobs in the installation and maintenance of these solar systems. A livestock model village will consist, amongst others, of veterinary clinic, primary health centre, school, solarised borehole, earth dams for cultivation and internal road networks.