The Kwara State Government has announced that 1,000 hectares of land at the Gida Magajiya Cattle Ranch in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state have been allocated for pastoral development, as reported by Vanguard.

The decision, which is aimed at reducing the frequent conflicts between herders and farmers in the area, is also expected to bring economic benefits to both livestock farmers and local residents.

According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the project will commence in the next rainy season, and the current users of the land have been duly notified. The commissioner made this announcement during a stakeholders' engagement visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar, and his emirate council at the palace in Kaiama.

The project is expected to create job opportunities for young people in the communities, while livestock farmers will have access to high-quality feeds without stress.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya informed the Emir and his Council Chiefs of the present government’s intention to use 1,000 hectares out of the 3,624 hectares of lands gazetted for ranching and other livestock activities in the local government.

The Commissioner said,””We have about 3,624 hectares of gazetted land and we are planning of planting pasture seed on 1,000 hectares for a start, this will reduce the conflict between herders and farmers and will also serve as an economic benefit for both livestock farmers and residents of the communities in the area by creating job opportunities for the youths in the communities.

“Livestock farmers will also have the opportunity to access quality feeds without much stress,” she explained.

The Commissioner however appreciated the support of the Emir and the good people of the community, and solicited for more collaboration to have a smooth and successful implementation of the project in the Community.

In his remarks, the L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye said the State Government is planning a large scale pastural development in the ranch to reduce open grazing, forestall farmers/herders clashes, as well as create employment opportunities in the livestock value chains.

He affirmed that the state government and the people of the Kaiama community have been having cordial relationship, adding that the people using the lands for farming activities are aware that the land belonged to the Government for livestock development purposes.

Olusoji further explained that the mission of the team was to have the understanding of the farmers and be properly informed about the government’s initiative, adding that pasture planting would commence by the next raining season.

In his response, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar expressed his appreciation to the team and the state government for the laudable initiative coupled with the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bode-Saadu to Kaiama roads.

The monarch noted that the roads when completed, would boost both social and economic lives of the people in the area in view of its strategic position to food security of the State and the country at large.

The Emir of Kaiama however assured the team of his people’s support in order to realise the government’s vision in transforming the livestock sector of Kwara State.