“Kwara govt initiative on Kaiama ranch will boost our economy” Emir of Kaiama

The Kwara State Government has disclosed that one thousand hectares of land have been earmarked for pastural development at Gida Magajiya Cattle Ranch in Kaiama Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas made this known during a stakeholders engagement visit to the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Shehu Omar and his emirate council at the palace in Kaiama.

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 land gazetted for ranching and other livestock activities.

“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.

She 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 a cordial relationship, adding that the people using the land for farming activities are aware that the land belonged to the Government for livestock development purposes.

He 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 road, noted that when completed, the projects 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 Monarch 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.