The federal government has officially announced the modernization of the Kawu Grazing Reserve located in the Bwari Area Council, which includes the installation of boreholes.
These initiatives are designed to boost livestock productivity and alleviate conflicts between farmers and herders.
At the event on Saturday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted that the grazing reserve spans 9,000 hectares and is intended to support approximately 30,000 cattle and 10,000 households.
He emphasized that this project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at revitalizing the livestock sector.
Mr. Maiha detailed that the reserve will feature a dam to supply water for cultivating pastures during the dry season, alongside five to six motorized boreholes for both domestic and livestock needs.
Additionally, he mentioned that practical demonstrations of seed and pasture cultivation would take place within the reserve.
The minister also indicated that the ministry has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide solar energy to the reserve.
Collaboration is also underway with the Universal Basic Education Board and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to establish primary schools and healthcare facilities for the local population.
He reassured attendees that security agencies are involved to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Mr. Maiha noted that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) will implement significant projects, including operational veterinary clinics, across grazing reserves nationwide to promote sustainable livestock production.
Sanusi Abubakar, the national coordinator of L-PRES, stated that the initiative aims to stabilize the livelihoods of pastoralists, reduce seasonal migration, mitigate conflicts between herders and farmers, and enhance livestock productivity while unlocking economic opportunities in rural areas.
Mr. Abubakar further explained that the upgraded grazing reserves would be transformed into serviced mini-towns equipped with solar electricity, educational institutions, healthcare centers, veterinary clinics, abattoirs, markets, road networks, irrigation systems, and access to clean water.
He stressed that addressing water and pasture issues is crucial for minimizing conflicts between herders and farmers.
The launch of the Kawu Grazing Reserve marks a significant achievement under the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to convert grazing reserves across the country into modern livestock villages.
(NAN)
