Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has received the report of the geospatial mapping that the administration conducted to use as a guide to address the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts and for the development of livestock in the state.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the state government engaged the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, to carry out the exercise, under the Kwara Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project.
At the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, the state capital, the governor commended the university’s research directorate for its dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise and pledged the government’s determination to implement the findings to the letter.
AbdulRazaq, represented by his senior adviser/counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu, also hailed the national office of L-PRES, the World Bank, the federal government, and all stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success.
“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.
“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,” the governor said.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, development partners, and security agencies to work hand-in-hand with the government to implement the study’s recommendations.
The representative of the minister, Richard Mbaram , described the event as a watershed in finding a lasting solution to the farmer-herder conflicts in the country.
He said the exercise forms part of the 10-year (2019-2028) National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) strategy, which focuses on transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The national coordinator for L-Press, 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-PRESS office has newly obtained four approvals in favour of the state, including building a new veterinary hospital, building an animal boarding facility, and supplying vaccines to check some animal diseases.
