There appears to be a conscious effort on the part of the federal government to ensure that pastoralists adopt ranching or at least sedentary method to raise cattle in the country. This was disclosed during a recent meeting by the Ministry of Livestock Development with The Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association in Abuja. Dr. Idi Maiha, the minister, emphasized the benefits in the sedentary style of cattle breeding, telling the association members that it improves breeds, livestock development and management. According to him, sedentarisation and modernization of livestock production are priorities of the Ministry. He told the Association, “Adoption of sedentary livestock production is essential and must be embraced by pastoralists.”
The minister who said the migration of livestock for purpose of grazing was no longer sustainable said that population growth, climate change and expansion of crop cultivation have made old style a difficult approach. He said, “Natural grasslands are no longer readily available and animals are highly malnourished in many parts of the country.”
Will pastoralists get the support of government to change their method? Maiha said the federal government was prepared to give them the necessary support for a migration to the modern style to be easy for them. He assured them that the government is taking steps to develop 417 grazing reserves across the country, so that pastoralists can settle there to practice the modern method. As part of efforts to encourage the pastoralists, Maiha said aside from the modern method improving the value of the animals, it will also promote better relationship between them and farmers.
That will not be the only advantage that would be derived from the adoption of the modern method, as the minister said, “The ministry is currently working with state governments to develop grazing reserves with adequate feed, veterinary services and water supply,”
All the pastoralists would be required to do is “acquire land within grazing reserves for ranching purposes. These can be individual or community ranches where livestock production takes place within designated grazing areas.”
Maiha definitely addressed the concerns of the Association. Earlier the National President of MAFYDA, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, who was represented by the National General Secretary, Mr Moh’d Dodo, had canvassed for support from the government for improved facilities for his members to carry out their trade. He said this was necessary to reduce conflict with farmers and enhance livestock production in the country.
