Vice President says investment in livestock feed production can support modern ranching, boost food security, and promote peaceful coexistence
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that large-scale cultivation of alfalfa grass by Jigawa El-Meena Farms (JEFs) could provide a sustainable solution to the longstanding farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria by ensuring a steady supply of livestock feed and reducing dependence on open grazing.
Shettima made the remarks during a visit to the exhibition stand of Jigawa El-Meena Farms at the Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit (J-Invest 2026) held in Dutse, the state capital.
According to the Vice President, the production of premium alfalfa on a commercial scale has the potential to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector by supporting modern animal husbandry practices and reducing competition over land and water resources.
He noted that increased availability of quality livestock feed would encourage more structured livestock management systems, helping to address some of the underlying factors contributing to clashes between farmers and herders in different parts of the country.
“With the scale of premium alfalfa production being undertaken by Jigawa El-Meena Farms, farmer-herder conflicts could become a thing of the past,” Shettima said.
The Vice President added that investments in agricultural value chains such as livestock feed production would not only strengthen food security but also contribute to economic growth, job creation, and national stability.
Experts in the livestock sector have long identified inadequate access to quality animal feed as a major challenge affecting livestock productivity and increasing pressure on grazing lands. They argue that improved feed availability could support the transition to modern livestock systems while reducing conflicts linked to competition for natural resources.
Jigawa El-Meena Farms aims to produce alfalfa grass to meet the growing demand of dairy and livestock industries while positioning Jigawa State as a major hub for animal feed production and export within West Africa.
The J-Invest 2026 summit brought together government officials, investors, development partners, and business leaders to showcase investment opportunities across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Shettima also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors and supporting initiatives capable of boosting food production, attracting investment, and generating employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The Vice President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by government and private sector stakeholders to develop sustainable agricultural solutions aimed at improving food systems, enhancing livestock production, and promoting lasting peace in rural communities.
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