By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the modernisation of Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, including the sinking of boreholes.

The projects aim to enhance livestock productivity and mitigate farmer-herder conflicts.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha at the event said the grazing reserve, which occupies 9,000 hectares, is designed to accommodate about 30,000 cattle and 10,000 households.

He noted that the initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the livestock sector.

Maiha explained that the reserve includes a dam to provide water for dry season pasture cultivation, and five to six motorised boreholes for domestic and livestock use.

He added that practical seed and pasture cultivation would also be demonstrated on-site.

The minister said the ministry had partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to supply solar-powered energy to the reserve.

“The ministry is also collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Board and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to establish primary schools and healthcare centres for residents,”.

He added that security agencies are engaged to safeguard lives and property.

Maiha noted that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) would execute key projects, including functional veterinary clinics, across the grazing reserves nationwide to ensure sustainable livestock production.

Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Coordinator of L-PRES, said the initiative aims to stabilise pastoralists’ livelihoods, reduce seasonal migration, mitigate herder-farmer conflicts, and boost livestock productivity while unlocking economic opportunities in rural areas.

Abubakar added that the modernised grazing reserves would be refurbished into serviced mini-towns featuring solar-powered electricity, schools, healthcare centres, veterinary clinics, abattoirs, markets, road networks, irrigation systems, and clean water.

He emphasised that addressing water and pasture challenges is key to reducing conflicts between herders and farmers.

He said the unveiling of Kawu Grazing Reserve was a milestone under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at transforming grazing reserves nationwide into modern livestock villages.

“This initiatives mark the commencement of the National Livestock Master Plan. Pasture, water, provision of basic amenities are part of the livestock master plan,”he said

Idris Abiola-Ajimobi Senior Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, said that N13 billion was approved by the Senate in the 2024 budget for livestock development.

“The current budget as approved by the senate for 2024 is N13 billion. The minister and myself and other stakeholders through other activities have been able to secure partnership and funding from other international developmental partners.

“This project is piloted in Kawu grazing reserve will be replicated across the other grazing reserves in the country,”he said

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA