Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out climate-smart livestock feeding systems alongside the establishment of communal ranches in six states as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost productivity and address security and food system challenges.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha disclosed this on Monay, during a meeting with the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project Team, where discussions focused on the relationship between ruminant feeding systems, methane emissions and climate change.
He said emissions from ruminants are largely driven by fermentation processes linked to high-fibre feeds, stressing the need for Nigeria to shift toward protein-rich and climate-resilient feed options.
“Feed and fodder is our number one priority,” the Minister stated. “If animals are fed properly and kept healthy, even our indigenous breeds can perform optimally. Nomadism today is not about culture; it is a survival mechanism driven by scarcity. If we provide abundance where people are, movement will reduce.”
According to him, the Federal Government plans to activate large-scale fodder production nationwide, supported by solar-powered irrigation systems, micro earth dams and the provision of basic amenities within designated grazing reserves.
He announced that six pilot states, Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, have been selected for the establishment of national communal ranches, with land allocation expected before the next rainy season.
“This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” the Minister said, adding that Nigeria has the land, political will and partnerships required to transform the livestock sector while tackling climate change, insecurity and disruptions in food systems.
Speaking on behalf of the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project, Programme Leader Dr. Anu Frank-Lawale commended the Minister’s approach and pledged the project’s full support.
“What you have outlined aligns directly with the core components of this project,” he said.
Dr. Frank-Lawale explained that the initiative focuses on four key areas: the use of crop residues, fermented protein feeds as alternatives to conventional protein sources, climate-resilient forages, and mycotoxin assessment in animal feeds across Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.
“Our goal is to increase milk production, create jobs, improve profitability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, this will enhance food security, livelihoods, and climate efficiency,” he noted.
Also speaking, ILRI Country Representative Dr. Tunde Amole said the project prioritises deploying proven solutions rather than theoretical research, with plans to introduce tested forage cultivars suitable for the Sahel and rapidly scale them once validated.
“Methane emissions are not simply an animal issue, they are a feed issue,” he noted, adding that the project will focus on practical solutions, climate-resilient forages, alternative protein sources, safe feeds and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
