Two South-east states developing integrated ranches to curb herder-farmer clashes

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation in Anambra State, Law Mefor, told NAN that the state has no ranch and no immediate plans to establish one.

The Ebonyi and Enugu state governments say they are currently developing integrated ranching schemes to boost livestock production in their states.

Victor Nwite, the Ebonyi project coordinator for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, told NAN that the government was developing an integrated livestock ranch at Izziangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Nwite said the measure was to boost production, enhance climate resilience and promote livestock Commercialisation.

“The project, which began in 2024 with the World Bank’s support, followed Governor Francis Nwifuru’s directive to centralise livestock development activities in the state.

“The ranch, covering about 292 hectares of land at the former Veterinary Investigation Centre, will accommodate cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and micro-livestock.

“The state government has provided ₦150 million as counterpart funding for the project,” he said.

He noted that facilities planned for the ranch include an automated abattoir, an artificial insemination centre, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, a livestock market, feed processing centres, and a mini dam, among others.

However, Salisu Mohammed, Secretary of the Hausa Quarters Cattle Dealers Association in Ebonyi, said they had only heard news about the ranch. He appealed to the government to make it a reality.

“We appeal that the facility be completed quickly to provide secure business and livestock management in the state.

“Cattle dealers and herders enjoy relative peace in Ebonyi as we comply with established livestock management laws,” he said.

In Enugu State, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, told NAN that the government was establishing an integrated livestock development centre at Owo community of Nkanu East Local Government Area.

Mr Ubru said the ranch, on over 11,000 hectares of land and capable of accommodating 15,000 cattle, is part of efforts to modernise animal farming in the state.

“The ranch, which will address persistent clashes between farmers and herders, includes features such as an automated meat processing facility, climate-smart irrigated pasture, and hybrid veterinary services.”

“The project, designed to support cattle rearing, dairy production and piggery, is aimed at transforming livestock production from the traditional open grazing system to a more organised and sustainable agricultural practice.

“The government will also construct a cattle market as part of the initiative to improve livestock trading and management,” he said.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Enugu State, Emma Ene, described the initiative as a welcome development that could address the longstanding disputes between farmers and herders.

“The establishment of the ranch will encourage livestock farmers to embrace organised animal husbandry while protecting farmers from crop losses arising from cattle invasion,” he said

He advised livestock farmers to organise into cooperative societies and register with relevant authorities to access the state government’s business-enhancing opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation in Anambra State, Law Mefor, told NAN that the state has no ranch and no immediate plans to establish one.

Mr Mefor described the relationship between farmers and herders in Anambra as cordial, noting that the state has a functional system in which herders are educated not to allow their cattle to stray into farmlands.

Gidado Sidikki, vice-president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, South-east Zone, said a ranch would greatly enhance their businesses.

Mr Sidikki said such a facility would reduce friction and give the herders access to education and organised life.

“This is our plea to the government, and we are expectant of it,” he said.