The newly established Ministry of Livestock Development will roll out ranches across seven states in 2024, aimed at modernising livestock management and addressing long-standing farmers-herders conflicts.
According to reports, the ministry will establish ranches in Lagos and Ogun (South West), Imo and Cross River (South East and South South), as well as Adamawa, Taraba (North East), and Kebbi (North West).
A budget allocation of N315 million has been set aside for the ranches. Additionally, the ministry’s total budget of N11.8 billion includes N150 million for poultry domestication farms in Delta, Abia, and Bauchi states.
The ministry has earmarked N600 million for solar-powered livestock production initiatives across 30 federal constituencies, alongside N50 million for solar-powered street lights in grazing reserves.
Efforts to resolve the farmers-herders conflict have also been prioritized. The 2024 budget includes N86 million for this cause, with N85 million allocated for stakeholder engagement and N101 million for establishing conflict resolution mechanisms at various administrative levels.
The ministry has also set aside N97 million for developing a performance management system to track staff performance.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2023, following the recommendation of the National Livestock Reforms Committee, aimed at tackling the protracted conflict between farmers and herders while promoting sustainable livestock practices.
