Bwari: The Federal Government has unveiled the modernisation of Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, marking a significant step towards enhancing livestock productivity and mitigating farmer-herder conflicts.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, announced that the 9,000-hectare grazing reserve is designed to accommodate approximately 30,000 cattle and 10,000 households. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the livestock sector.
Maiha elaborated that the reserve includes essential infrastructure such as a dam for dry season pasture cultivation and five to six motorised boreholes for domestic and livestock use. Additionally, practical seed and pasture cultivation will be demonstrated on-site. The ministry has also partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide solar-powered energy to the reserve.
The project will further collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Board and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to establish primary schools and healthcare centres for residents, ensuring comprehensive community support. Security agencies have also been engaged to safeguard the lives and properties within the reserve.
Maiha highlighted that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) will oversee the implementation of key projects, including functional veterinary clinics, across grazing reserves nationwide to ensure sustainable livestock production.
Dr Sanusi Abubakar, the National Coordinator of L-PRES, stated that the initiative aims to stabilise pastoralists’ livelihoods, reduce seasonal migration, mitigate herder-farmer conflicts, and boost livestock productivity, while unlocking economic opportunities in rural areas. The modernised grazing reserves will be developed into serviced mini-towns featuring solar-powered electricity, schools, healthcare centres, veterinary clinics, abattoirs, markets, road networks, irrigation systems, and clean water.
Abubakar emphasized that addressing water and pasture challenges is essential to reducing conflicts between herders and farmers. He noted that the unveiling of the Kawu Grazing Reserve is a milestone under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to transform grazing reserves nationwide into modern livestock villages.