FG's Livestock Strategy Depends on Ranching, Minister Inspects Nasarawa Model Farm

News in brief:

-The federal government of Nigeria says modern ranching is viable, scalable and central to resolving livestock productivity and security challenges.

-Manchong Integrated Farms is set to serve as a national pilot for feed, fodder and genetic improvement programmes.

The federal government has reaffirmed that ranching remains the foundation of Nigeria’s long-term livestock development strategy, as the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, inspected Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State.

The inspection visit brought together senior officials of the ministry and key sector stakeholders. Maiha described the facility as clear evidence that modern, well-managed ranching is both practical and sustainable within Nigeria’s ecological environment.

Integrated Ranching Model Demonstrated

The minister stated that the farm exemplifies an integrated livestock production system that combines efficient animal husbandry, year-round feed and fodder cultivation, water management and genetic development. He noted that the presence of green pastures during the dry season directly challenges long-held assumptions about the limitations of ranching in Nigeria.

According to him, Manchong Integrated Farms maintains quality Mombasa, Napier and Brachiaria grasses, houses more than 300 cattle across beef and dairy breeds, and produces surplus fodder annually.

“What we have seen here is proof that ranching works,” the Minister stated. “Ranching simply means managing livestock within a defined space with adequate feed, water and proper care. This farm demonstrates that it is achievable in Nigeria and can be replicated nationwide.”

National Feed and Fodder Programme Planned

Based on the project's performance, Maiha disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development plans to partner with the facility on feed and fodder seed production. He said the initiative would support the creation of a national feed system that allows livestock owners to access quality fodder regardless of location.

“Our objective is to stabilise the livestock value chain by improving access to feed, reducing losses and increasing productivity,” he stated.

He added that the farm’s existing supply of fodder to states such as Jigawa and Yobe provides a strong base for national expansion.

Farm To Serve As Genetic Improvement Pilot

On livestock genetics, the Minister announced that Manchong Integrated Farms would serve as a pilot centre for breeding programmes under the ministry’s reform agenda. He explained that new genetic materials would first be developed and multiplied at the facility before being distributed across the country.

“This farm will act as a reference point for genetic improvement, showing what is achievable when policy is aligned with practical implementation,” he said.

Ranching As a Solution To Conflict and Insecurity

Earlier, the owner of the farm, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, expressed that the project was designed to demonstrate ranching as a practical solution to persistent farmer-herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria.

He described ranching as an approach capable of promoting peaceful coexistence, improving food security and unlocking economic opportunities across the livestock sector.

Dogara noted that the global beef and dairy market is valued at approximately $2.5 trillion, while northern Nigeria accounts for more than 70% of the country’s livestock population.

“If Nigeria captures even five to ten per cent of this market, the sector could generate about $25 billion annually,” he said, stressing the need for consistent investment and policy stability.

International Interest In Nigerian Ranching

Also speaking during the visit, Mr Clinton Agbo, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, described the farm as a suitable platform for international collaboration. He said discussions were ongoing about a pilot programme involving Botswana’s technical support and Nigerian-led implementation.

Observers say the inspection reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s livestock policy towards practical, investment-driven solutions, with ranching positioned as a key driver of food security, economic diversification and long-term stability.