FG, IWMI partner to boost irrigated fodder, water management
By Precious Mark
The Federal Government has pledged to deepen its technical partnership on water resource management and irrigated fodder production to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector and guarantee year-round feed availability.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the commitment during a technical session with representatives of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Abuja.
Maiha stated that Nigeria possesses adequate land and water resources to sustain all-season fodder production, which would improve livestock productivity, generate employment, and support economic growth.
He noted that the country’s primary challenge is not the availability of water, but its efficient management and application.
He explained that strategic investments in modern irrigation infrastructure, solar-powered water systems, and efficient water management technologies will boost year-round pasture production, mitigate feed shortages, and increase livestock yields nationwide.
The Minister added that expanding irrigated fodder production will reduce competition for natural resources, curb farmer-herder conflicts, and create new economic opportunities for farmers, pastoralists, women, and youth throughout the livestock value chain.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), Maiha assured development partners of continued collaboration with research institutions, international bodies, and private sector stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of IWMI, Dr. Adebayo Oke confirmed that the institute is providing technical assistance on water management, irrigation design, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Recalling its contributions to the National Livestock Master Plan, the IWMI team identified three immediate priority areas: conducting a comprehensive assessment of water resources and flood dynamics for fodder production, drafting Nigeria’s first national reference report on year-round fodder production, and launching pilot irrigated fodder projects in select locations.
The institute noted that Nigeria currently lacks a centralized national database on fodder production to guide policy formulation and investment decisions, expressing its readiness to assist in formulating an actionable implementation roadmap.