SOKOTO State governor Aminu Tambuwal has announced that his government will make 1,000 hectares of land available to Fulani cattle herdsmen so they can feed their livestock away from farming communities.
Over recent years, nomadic Fulani herdsmen have been involved in repeated clashes with local farming communities across Nigeria as a result of their livestock damaging crops. This has led to calls for the activities of the nomads to be curtailed, with many states asking them to build ranches into which they would confine their animals.
Seeking to reduce the tension Governor Tambuwal said he will provide the land for the creation of grazing reserves for herdsmen and herds owners in state. Speaking at the opening of a National Retreat on Livestock and Dairy Development organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, he called on all those intending to invest in commercial agriculture to come to Sokoto State.
Governor Tambuwal further assured that the Sokoto State government will launch its commercial dairy farm before the end of the year. He added that the 1,000 hectares for a grazing reserve will be situated within six local government areas across the state.
“Properly-structured and well-managed grazing reserves will improve the well-being of our cattle. With it, we can monitor what they eat and correctly estimate the output we are likely to get from their products.
“My thinking is that herdsmen move about in search of greener pasture but if we can bring the green pasture to their doorsteps, I am sure they will be willing to settle down. Sokoto will support every initiative aimed at improving our livestock and dairy sub-sector,” Governor Tambuwal added.
He pointed out that his government is working with partners in Argentina to ensure the realisation of the project. According to the governor, their target is to commence operations in October this year and as a result significantly increased the volume of milk produced in Nigeria.
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