By Stella Azi, Benita Okarter, Nafisat Abdulrahman
Experts are emphasizing effective pasture management and development as crucial for sustainable livestock production in Nigeria, describing the sector as a largely untapped gold mine with the potential to boost the country’s economy, enhance food security, and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
This was the focus of discussions during a two – day training on Pasture Management and Production organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Training School at the Council’s Headquarters in Abuja on May 14 – 15, 2025.
The training which brought in Facilitators from the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), brought together livestock farmers in the FCT to gain knowledge on better and healthier ways of producing pasture and managing livestock.
A facilitator at the training, Dr. Yunusa Ishiaku, highlighted the uneven distribution of animal feed across the country, pointing out a mismatch between the availability of feed and the presence of livestock. He noted that while parts of the North, which host large populations of livestock, often face feed shortages especially during the dry season many areas in the South have an abundance of feed but few animals. In response to this imbalance, Dr. Ishiaku advocated for transporting feed to livestock rather than moving animals in search of grazing.
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Also from NAPRI, Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed delivered a detailed session on conservation through hay and silage making, using video demonstrations to enhance understanding and provide participants with a clear, step-by-step guide to the processes involved. He emphasized the importance of proper techniques in preserving the nutritional value of forage, noting that quality feed is essential for improving livestock productivity and sustaining year-round animal nutrition.
Earlier, the Director General of RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso represented by the Dean of the RMRDC Training School, Dr. Ify Olife in his welcome address, called on participants to leverage on the opportunity, be intentional about the training and have a something to take home at the end of the training. He encouraged the farmers not to give up despite the economic challenges challenges and insecurity in the country.
“We know that Nigeria’s livestock industry holds substantial potential for contributing to economic growth and development. The livestock is valued at approximately $2.5 billion, playing a crucial role in addressing food security, reducing poverty, and generating employment” he said.
The DG described the training as “impactful,” noting that it empowers individuals to grow while contributing to national development. He added that the global trend is shifting towards pasture management, which offers a sustainable solution to the farmer-herder crisis by promoting the cultivation of feed specifically for livestock, thereby reducing competition between humans and animals for food. He emphasized that RMRDC is committed to delivering purposeful trainings designed to produce tangible results and improve the lives of participants as well as the country as a whole.
An agriculturist Mr. Chinecherem Ibekwe, who emerged Star trainee of the season said he was overwhelmed at the level of knowledge he had acquired as a result of the 2-day training sessions. He commended the efforts of RMRDC, saying that the training will enhance the contribution of pastoral farming to nation building.
Other participants at the program described the training as timely, impactful, and a commendable initiative, especially in light of the current challenges facing the livestock sector. They noted that the knowledge gained would not only improve their understanding of pasture management but also enhance their capacity to contribute meaningfully to sustainable livestock production. They plan to share the knowledge acquired with others and commended the RMRDC Training School for providing pasture seeds, which will enable them to begin cultivating their own grasses and forage crops.
