The Jigawa state government has embarked on a N4.5 billion project to establish three cattle ranches across the state's three senatorial districts. This initiative is part of the N17.2 billion allocated for livestock development in the 2026 fiscal year. The ranches, designed with modern facilities, will provide high-quality feed for livestock, schools, healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics, markets, electricity, and water supply.
The cattle ranches, covering 510 hectares of land each, will accommodate 3,000 households. The projects include Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim, Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa, and Kukar Mekiya in Kiyawa. According to Salim Abdulrahman, Commissioner for Livestock Development, the aim is to combat frequent clashes between farmers and herders in the state. The ranches will be equipped with modern facilities, including pasture and water points.
In addition to the cattle ranches, the Jigawa state government has deployed mobile veterinary clinics across the 27 local government areas, providing healthcare services to livestock farmers. The ministry has also embarked on upgrading three livestock breeding centers in Gumel, Birniwa, and Kagauma. Furthermore, the state government has earmarked N350 million for the next round of livestock vaccination.
The initiative involves the renovation of existing veterinary centers to enhance the quality of service delivery. Plans are underway to establish veterinary clinics across the 27 local government areas, seven zonal veterinary clinics, and a central referral veterinary center. This effort aims to strengthen livestock production and address challenges affecting the sector in Jigawa.
Abdullahi Abubakar, national deputy treasurer of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bauchi State, has advocated for a shift from traditional cattle rearing to modern ranching. He believes that embracing ranching and reducing cattle population to manageable levels will help address perennial clashes between farmers and herders.
Abubakar highlights that the transition from traditional open grazing to organized livestock management will reduce competition over land, water, and other natural resources. He urges cattle breeders to reduce the number of animals they keep and invest in feed processing, animal healthcare, and management. This approach will enable herders to provide adequate care for their animals while reducing pressure on available grazing land and other natural resources.
The Jigawa state government's initiative and MACBAN's advocacy aim to promote modern livestock management practices, reducing conflicts between farmers and herders. The project's success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration between stakeholders. The ranches are expected to provide a more organized approach to livestock production, improving animal welfare and reducing indiscriminate cattle movement.
Key points
- The Jigawa state government has launched a N4.5 billion project to establish three cattle ranches, aiming to boost livestock development and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
- The ranches will be equipped with modern facilities, including pasture and water points, and will accommodate 3,000 households each.
- The initiative involves the deployment of mobile veterinary clinics and the renovation of existing veterinary centers to enhance service delivery.
