Abuja, 30th September 2024.

 

The Gombe State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has achieved significant milestones since its inception in 2023.

These successes were highlighted by the State Project Coordinator, Professor U.B. Abubakar, during the recent *L-PRES media workshop held in Abuja.*

The project, which aims to enhance livestock productivity, mitigate farmer-herder conflicts, and support rural economies, has made notable progress across multiple key areas.

 

Transforming Livestock Productivity through Infrastructure and Training

Speaking at the workshop, Professor Abubakar emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure and capacity building in achieving sustainable livestock productivity.

 

“Since joining L-PRES, we have focused on establishing facilities that directly improve the efficiency and resilience of livestock production in Gombe State,” he said.

 

• Solar-Powered Boreholes: One of the critical infrastructure improvements has been the construction of solar-powered boreholes across the state. “We successfully drilled and reticulated solar-powered boreholes in each of the eleven local government areas of Gombe State,” shared Professor Abubakar. “This initiative provides reliable water sources for livestock, which is vital for their health and well-being.”

 

• Upgraded Grazing Reserves and Earth Dams: The project also upgraded existing earth dams in the Wawa Zange and Nono grazing reserves.

“Ensuring water availability in grazing reserves helps us support pastoral communities and reduce the pressures that often lead to conflicts,” noted Professor Abubakar.

 

Improving Animal Health and Market Facilities

The health of livestock and the quality of market facilities have been focal points for L-PRES in Gombe:

• Veterinary Services and Cold Chain Facilities: The rehabilitation of the diagnostic laboratory at Gombe Veterinary Clinic and the establishment of a cold chain facility for vaccines have bolstered disease surveillance and health management. “Reliable veterinary services and proper vaccine storage are fundamental to maintaining a healthy livestock population,” said Professor Abubakar.

 

• Slaughter Slab Rehabilitation: The project has also rehabilitated key slaughter slabs in Gombe, Kumo, and Bajoga, ensuring hygienic conditions for meat processing.

 

Professor Abubakar highlighted the importance of these upgrades, stating, “Upgrading these facilities is critical for providing quality meat products to the market, while also ensuring the safety and health of the community.”

 

Empowering Communities and Strengthening Social Cohesion

In addition to infrastructure and health services, L-PRES has focused on community empowerment and conflict mitigation:

• Training and Capacity Building: Over the past year, the project has trained community livestock service providers on good husbandry practices, with the aim of increasing productivity. “We have trained over 100 individuals across 11 local government areas, equipping them with the knowledge needed to care for livestock efficiently,” said Professor Abubakar.

 

• Conflict Prevention Initiatives: Recognizing the challenges of farmer-herder conflicts, L-PRES has established 11 operational mediation platforms to facilitate dialogue. “These platforms are essential for maintaining social cohesion and ensuring that both herders and farmers can coexist peacefully,” explained Professor Abubakar. “Training in conflict resolution has also been conducted to promote understanding and reduce tensions.”

 

A Vision for the Future

Professor Abubakar concluded by outlining the broader vision of the L-PRES project in Gombe State. “Our work is about more than just improving livestock productivity; it’s about transforming the lives of those involved in the livestock value chain, from farmers to traders,” he said.

By providing reliable infrastructure, training, and fostering social harmony, we aim to build a resilient and thriving livestock sector in Gombe.”