Kwara Gov Pledges To End Farmer, Herder Conflict

Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday received the report of geospatial mapping conducted to guide the administration in addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts and for overall development of livestock in the state.

LEADERSHIP reports that the state government had engaged the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano to carry out the exercise under the Kwara’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project.

At the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, Governors AbdulRazaq commended the research directorate of the university for their dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise, pledging the government’s determination to implement the findings.

AbdulRazaq who was represented by his Senior Adviser/Counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu, also hailed the national office of L-PRES, World Bank, the federal government, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project.

“This presentation is not merely a set of maps and statistics; it is a strategic tool that will guide us in making informed, evidence-based decisions for livestock development, conflict prevention, and sustainable natural resource management in Kwara State,” AbdulRazaq said.

He added that, “The findings have shed light on the drastic changes in land use and vegetation cover over the past two decades; the critical shortage and uneven distribution of functional water points; and the status of grazing corridors and the challenges posed by encroachment; among others.”

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and security agencies, among others, to work together with the government to implement the recommendations from the study.

Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukthar Mahia who was represented by Mr Richard Mbaram, described the event as a watershed in the annals of history to find a lasting solution to the farmer-harder conflicts in the country.

Mahia said the exercise forms a part of the 10-year (2019-2028) National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) strategy that focuses on transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The National Coordinator for L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar who commended the governor’s investments in livestock development, pledged to continue to support the state government in its aspiration and drive to achieve a paradigm shift in the livestock sector

He disclosed that the National L-PRES office newly received approvals to build a new veterinary hospital, an animal boarding facility, and supply vaccines to check some animal diseases in the State.