Federal Government Moves To Cut Methane Emissions With National Ranches In 6 States

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish national communal ranches in six states as part of a broader strategy to reduce methane emissions from livestock, improve productivity, and address challenges associated with nomadic grazing.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Abdullahi Atta, disclosed this on Monday, during a meeting with the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project team, where discussions focused on the link between livestock feeding systems, methane emissions and climate change.

He said emissions from ruminant animals were largely driven by poor feeding practices, particularly high-fibre diets, stressing that a shift to protein-rich and climate-resilient feed options would significantly cut emissions while boosting animal performance.

According to the Minister, six pilot states of Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, have been selected for the establishment of national communal ranches, with land allocation expected before the next rainy season.

“Feed and fodder is our number one priority. If animals are properly fed and kept healthy, even our indigenous breeds can perform optimally,” he said, adding that nomadic movement was increasingly driven by scarcity rather than cultural practice.

The Minister explained that the Federal Government plans to activate large-scale fodder production across the country, supported by solar-powered irrigation systems, micro earth dams and basic infrastructure within designated grazing reserves to ensure year-round feed availability.

“This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” he said, noting that the initiative was expected to contribute to climate action, improve food systems and reduce security risks linked to uncontrolled livestock movement.

Speaking on behalf of the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project, Programme Leader, Dr. Anu Frank-Lawale, said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s livestock reform agenda and will support the deployment of tested, practical solutions.

He said the project focuses on the use of crop residues, fermented protein feeds as alternatives to conventional protein sources, climate-resilient forages and mycotoxin assessment in animal feeds across Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.

ILRI Country Representative, Dr. Tunde Amole, said the project prioritises scaling proven forage varieties suitable for the Sahel, noting that methane emissions from livestock are largely a feed-related issue.

“Methane emissions are not simply an animal issue; they are a feed issue,” he said, adding that the initiative will promote safer feeds, alternative protein sources and reduced greenhouse gas emissions while improving livelihoods and food security.