World Bank and Israel Join Forces to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

Nigeria’s livestock sector is on the brink of a transformative leap, as the World Bank teams up with the Israeli government to introduce cutting-edge pasture production technologies aimed at reshaping the future of animal farming across the country. Through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), this powerful collaboration is set to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the industry—poor pasture yields, climate stress, and deadly farmer-herder conflicts.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria News

At a workshop in Abuja, Dr. Chidozie Anyiniro, Task Team Leader for L-PRES, revealed that a trust fund has been secured from Israel to introduce innovations that can turn pasture cultivation into a viable, profitable business in Nigeria. The initiative goes beyond just boosting animal feed; it is a strategic move to improve livestock productivity while tackling one of the root causes of rural conflict—competition over water and grazing land.

The technologies being introduced, including advanced irrigation and productivity-enhancing methods, are tailored to thrive in Nigeria’s arid and semi-arid regions. Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, noted that countries like Brazil, the Netherlands, and Israel are offering their own solutions, with Israel taking the lead in demonstrating workable models to 20 Nigerian states involved in the program.

Minister of Livestock Productivity, Idi Muktar Maiha, emphasized that sustainable pasture development is more than just a farming goal—it is a lifeline for environmental balance, economic growth, and national peace. Speaking through Mr. Ishaq Bello, he underscored the importance of global collaboration and local commitment in reshaping how Nigeria manages its rangelands.

Meanwhile, in Ondo State, L-PRES has launched an intensive three-day training program for 116 key stakeholders—including farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and security officials—to tackle the root causes of farmer-herder conflict. State Coordinator Olufemi Adeogun said the training is focused on building resilience, promoting peaceful coexistence, and strengthening the livestock value chain.

Lead consultant Ebruke Esike pointed out that mutual distrust, weak law enforcement, and lack of sincere dialogue have long fueled the conflict. But with this initiative, stakeholders are gaining the tools to break that cycle and work together toward shared prosperity.