The Enugu State Government has launched initiatives to prevent conflicts and disease outbreaks that could hinder the implementation of the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project. This move aims to ensure the project's success in improving livestock production and promoting food security in the state. The project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, seeks to enhance animal healthcare, increase commercialisation, and strengthen the value chain.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Patrick Nwabueze, disclosed this during a training on conflict prevention, mitigation, and management strategies for members of the conflict mediation committee, livestock farmers, and other critical stakeholders under the project. The training was designed to equip participants with the skills to identify potential risks, contain them early, and minimise their impact on livestock farmers. Dr. Nwabueze emphasized the importance of a crisis-free location for the project's success.
As part of the project, the Enugu State Government has established an Integrated Livestock Development Centre along the Ubahu-Amankanu axis in Nkanu East Local Government Area. The centre comprises a 15,000-cattle ranch, automated meat processing facilities, and climate-smart irrigated pastures. This infrastructure is expected to enhance livestock production and provide a model for sustainable livestock development in the state.
The state government has also approved an initial N60 million counterpart funds for the World Bank-assisted project. This funding is a demonstration of the government's commitment to ensuring that the investment achieves its intended impact. Dr. Nwabueze stressed that the government is committed to communicating with farmers and communities on how to manage and mitigate crises, including conflicts and diseases.
The L-PRES interventions extend beyond the two host communities to other parts of the state, including Amagunze, Owo, Nara, and Nkerefi in Nkanu East, as well as livestock production clusters in Enugu South and vaccination activities across Udi, Awgu, and Nsukka LGAs. This broad coverage is expected to have a significant impact on livestock production and food security in the state.
The State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, said the training was designed to enable host communities to understand the project, take ownership of it, and ensure its sustainability. The project aims to improve livestock production, strengthen the value chain, enhance animal healthcare, increase commercialisation, and promote food security in the state.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and food security. With the implementation of the L-PRES project, Enugu State is poised to become a model for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria. The government's efforts to prevent conflicts and disease outbreaks will be crucial to the project's success.
Key points
- The Enugu State Government has approved an initial N60 million counterpart funds for the World Bank-assisted project.
- The project aims to improve livestock production, strengthen the value chain, enhance animal healthcare, increase commercialisation, and promote food security in the state.
- The government has established an Integrated Livestock Development Centre with a 15,000-cattle ranch, automated meat processing facilities, and climate-smart irrigated pastures.
