Enhancing Livelihoods and National Security Through Cattle Ranching
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
In recent years, the call for establishing cattle ranches has gained momentum across Nigeria, underscoring their critical role in boosting agricultural productivity, fostering peaceful coexistence, and enhancing national security. Experts and stakeholders have stressed the need to transition from open grazing to ranching as a sustainable solution to the challenges facing livestock farming in the country.
Cattle ranching, a modern and efficient livestock-rearing system, offers numerous benefits beyond improved meat and dairy production. By designating specific areas for animal rearing, ranching minimizes conflicts between farmers and herders—a recurring issue that has caused loss of lives, displacement, and economic setbacks in many parts of Nigeria.
In response, the Borno State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), has developed strategies to address food security, employment, and the perennial farmer-herder clashes in the state.
Key measures include the establishment of Cattle Ranches and Resettlement (CTRR) initiatives for pastoralists in Ngarannam, Gubio, and Rumirgo across the state’s three senatorial districts.
During the inauguration of the Ngarannam ranch over the weekend, Governor Babagana Zulum invited the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Co-chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee (PLRC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to unveil the ranch for pastoralists from 16 communities.
The communities had been affected by over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency before being resettled at the completed ranch along the Maiduguri-Dikwa Road.
Governor Zulum disclosed that the ranch spans four square kilometers and is enclosed with a perimeter fence to protect herders and their livestock from insurgency and cattle rustling, particularly in northern Borno.
To further address security challenges, 461 houses have been built to accommodate herders displaced by the 15-year insurgency.
“In addition to the houses, each of the 461 families received pairs of bulls and heifers, goats, and a humanitarian relief package,” the governor stated. The relief items include food and non-food essentials, as many herders and their families do not consume beef to supplement their nutrition while rearing livestock.
The governor highlighted additional ranch facilities, including a housing estate with road networks, schools, health clinics, veterinary services, and state-of-the-art dairy and beef processing centers.
Other completed facilities include pasture and milk collection centers, and an earth dam to prevent clashes over water and grazing resources.
Governor Zulum also explained that the establishment of a market and a security post would promote trade in beef and dairy products, ensuring food security and improved nutrition for both herders and farmers.
Expressing his admiration, Jega remarked, “What I witnessed today is something I have never seen in our country. This is the vision of a leader with passion and commitment to driving economic growth.”
He added that livestock development through ranches could significantly improve living conditions by creating jobs across various economic sectors.
Minister Maiha commended Zulum’s leadership and dedication to livestock development, evidenced by the progress made at the Ngarannam ranch. He noted that the state government had taken the lead in initiatives such as launching an annual animal vaccination scheme and distributing livestock to restore livelihoods and empower citizens economically.
The minister further highlighted the state’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development and its Livestock Management Agency, which are tasked with providing veterinary and healthcare services for herders and their livestock.
Recognizing Zulum’s efforts, the minister branded the governor with a livestock symbol, acknowledging his contribution to addressing food security and employment challenges in the country.
Governor Zulum directed his deputy, Usman Kadafur, to oversee the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development across the three senatorial districts. Kadafur informed the minister and Jega that the Gubio and Rumirgo cattle ranches were 90% complete and slated for commissioning later this year.
He also revealed that the state’s livestock population is estimated at 11.7 million, comprising cattle, camels, sheep, and goats across the three senatorial districts.
