Kano Agro-Pastoral Project Will Solve Farmer-Herder Conflicts – Ganduje
POLITICS DIGEST – Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said that the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development project (KSADP) will provide the much needed solution to farmer-herder conflicts, unfettered nomadism as well as enhance the development of pastoral communities in the state.
He stated this on Thursday, during the formal unveiling ceremony of $95 million in the state.
In a statement by the Project Communication Specialist, Aminu Yassar, Ganduje said the project is financed by the Islamic Development Bank and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), is a development initiative that will provide concessional financing to its member countries.
According to him, the project, expected to be implemented within a five year period, will also contribute in reducing poverty and strengthen food security in the most populous state in Nigeria.
Ganduje said, “I want to believe that it is only project such as this one that can curb famers – herders clashes and security risks, improve farm yields, accelerate livestock production through adoption of modern best practices to generally improve the economic potentials of our small holder farmers.
“The project will improve the capacity of our herdsmen to produce and process more milk and pave way for quality beef production. We are of the belief that because of the security implication of nomadic life style such as farmer-herders clashes and the fact that the old system of cattle rearing is more cultural than economical, things must change.
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“We decided to create Ruga settlements in our forests such as Dansoshiya and with the help of this IsDB supported Project, we are going to make them full-fledged grazing reserves.
“I understand that through this project, the Dawanau International grains market, the largest grains market in West Africa will be upgraded through the provision of essential infrastructure that will help in improving its status as a foremost market. This is in consonance with our desire to promote food crop marketing and market access for our farmers”, the governor enthused.
Ganduje assured that his government will ensure timely release of its $5 million counterpart fund to facilitate smooth implementation of the project.
Similarly in his remarks, Islamic Development Bank, Regional Hub Manager, Mr. Mayoro Niang, explained that the project is aligned to the bank President’s five year plan and the Federal government’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction Strategy.
“This five year project will contribute to poverty reduction and to strengthen food and nutrition security of vulnerable population in Kano state through sustainable development of livestock and crop selected value chains”, he stressed.
On the workshop, Mr. Niang said it is to ensure that the quality of the project is maintained and to guarantee proper orientation on its specifics, under applicable policies and procedures of the bank.
In his remarks, Mr. Jena Jacques, from the Lives and Livelihood Funds, said his organization, a partner of the Islamic Development Bank group, is glad to work with the Kano state government to make positive impact on the lives of the poor.
“The fund is delighted to support not only Kano state but also other IsDB member countries to address community health, agriculture and basic infrastructure challenges”, he stated.
He however maintained that the concessional financing comes with obligations including abiding all the rules and regulations, accurate procurement plan, clear disbursement plan and having maximum project impact, among others”.
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