Gombe State Government has taken the lead in the implementation of the Federal Government’s desire to establish Model Grazing Reserves in willing states of the Federation that are ready to provide adequate and gazetted land for livestock development.
The State Government has provided 141,000 Hectares of land in a gazetted Grazing Reserve at Wawa Zange which cuts across four LGAs of the state. These include: Dukku, Kwami, Nafada & Funakaye.
The Hon Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Alh. Sabo Nanono, was there in 2019 to personally see things for himself at the designated Gracing Reserve. It is one of the largest GRs in the country, and the Gombe State Government is in support of its development 100%.
The project is given full attention by the state government so as to significantly reduce or totally eliminate the perennial farmers/herders’ conflicts, produce more milk and meat for local consumption, thereby reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign import of milk and milk products valued at over $1.3b or nearly N500b.
Other advantages the state expects to derive from the project includes creation of wealth through useful engagement of the rural youths in productive activities thereby reducing youth restiveness and poverty. The project is also expected to encourage modern ranching for livestock production and increase the state’s IGR amongst other advantages.
The Department of Animal Husbandry Services of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development embarked on a scoping mission to the state on Tuesday, 8th December 2020 for on the spot assessment of its suitability for modern ranching with first class facilities and infrastructure such as earth dams, bore holes, schools, clinics (both Veterinary and Human clinics) Silage pits, hay barns, lairages, small abattoirs, milk collection centers, roads and enhanced security.
The mission was headed by Mr. James Igbekoyi, an Assistant Director in the Animal Husbandry Department of the Ministry.
Below are some of the pictures taken at the different pastoral settlements.
