Enugu Govt Moves to Prevent Conflicts, Diseases in World Bank Livestock Project

The Enugu State Government is taking proactive measures to prevent conflicts and disease outbreaks that could jeopardize the World Bank-funded Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project in the region. Dr. Patrick Nwabueze, the Commissioner for Agriculture, revealed this during a training session on conflict prevention and management for various stakeholders involved in the project.

Nwabueze announced the establishment of an Integrated Livestock Development Centre along the Ubahu-Amankanu route in Nkanu East Local Government Area. This center includes a 15,000-cow ranch, automated meat processing facilities, and climate-smart irrigated pastures. Additionally, the state government has allocated an initial N60 million in counterpart funds for the World Bank-supported initiative, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the project's success.

Nwabueze emphasized the importance of communication with farmers and communities in managing and mitigating crises, stating that a crisis-free environment is crucial for the project's effectiveness. He stressed the need for biosecurity and early warning systems to detect and combat potential disease outbreaks.

The L-PRES project's scope extends beyond the two host communities to other parts of Enugu State, including Amagunze, Owo, Nara, and Nkerefi in Nkanu East, as well as livestock production clusters in Enugu South. Vaccination activities have also been carried out in Udi, Awgu, and Nsukka Local Government Areas.

Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, the State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, explained that the training aimed to foster community understanding and ownership of the project, ensuring its long-term sustainability. The project's primary objectives include improving livestock production, strengthening the value chain, enhancing animal healthcare, promoting commercialization, and enhancing food security in the state.