From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In a strategic move to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders, at least 500 livestock farmers from 15 wards in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been trained in goat fattening and feed production.
The step-down training, organised by the Ifelodun Local Government, in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, held in Idofian, focused on empowering rural farmers to produce animal feed from agricultural waste, thereby reducing dependency on grazing and imported feed.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, at the event, Member of the Kwara State House of Assembly for Omupo Constituency, Hon. Ganiyu Afolabi, said the programme is a deliberate effort to solve one of the pressing issues affecting rural farmers.
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“This initiative is a proactive measure to reduce the friction often witnessed between farmers and herders in our communities. With the skills acquired here, participants can now turn waste into wealth by producing their own feed,” Afolabi stated.
Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, said the training is part of a broader plan to create job opportunities and improve food production at the grassroots.
“With the rising cost of animal feed, this programme provides a cost-effective solution that supports both productivity and peace. We are also making efforts to provide water and other infrastructure to support farming,” he said.
He added that the council now has seven functional tractors to assist farmers and promised that more empowerment and training schemes would be rolled out to make rural dwellers self-sufficient.
Traditional ruler of Igbaja, the Elesie of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola, applauded the initiative and pledged the support of traditional institutions to ensure its sustainability.
“The success of this programme can have a ripple effect in preventing conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence. We are fully in support,” the monarch said.
Kwara State Coordinator of L-PRES, Olusoji Oyawoye, encouraged youths to seize the opportunity and see agriculture as a path to self-reliance.
“This is more than training; it is empowerment. With what they’ve learnt, participants can cut costs and improve their livestock business. I urge them to put in their best and apply the knowledge effectively,” he said.
The training is expected to significantly reduce pressure on grazing land and foster peaceful relations between farmers and herders in the area.
