Jigawa commits N4.5 billion to three cattle ranches to curb farmers-herders clashes

The Jigawa State Government has earmarked N4.5 billion to construct three state-of-the-art cattle ranches, aimed at curbing farmers-herders conflicts and boosting livestock production. Prof. Salim Abdulrahman, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, disclosed the initiative in an interview in Dutse. The project will span the state's three senatorial districts, focusing on the Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim, Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa, and Kukar Mekiya in Kiyawa.

These ranches will be equipped with pasture and water points to enhance animal feed and access to essential resources. The government is also enhancing veterinary healthcare services, including veterinary clinics in all 27 local government areas, seven zonal clinics, and a central referral centre. This move aligns with calls for a shift from traditional cattle rearing to organized ranching, as it can mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders, improve animal welfare, and reduce crop destruction.

Jigawa's investment is part of a broader strategy to modernize livestock production and address recurring disputes between farming and herding communities. The Federal Government has also launched partnerships and reforms to improve livestock productivity and integrate the sector into the national economy. In March 2025, Brazil's JBJ Brazil announced a joint venture to establish a 100,000-hectare cattle ranch in Niger State, capable of housing 100,000 bulls. Niger State has also allocated 1.2 million hectares to support livestock development.