Kogi L-PRES, CUSTECH to collaborate on commercialisation of pasture production

In a strategic move to strengthen livestock productivity and reduce resource-based conflicts, the Kogi State Livestock Production and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) has announced a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) to commercialize pasture production in the state.

The partnership, which is part of the L-PRES Project’s broader vision to scale livestock resilience and productivity, aims to leverage a 50-hectare parcel of land earmarked for pasture development and possibly expand into 100 hectares, adjacent to the Rivers Osara and Oro.

During a courtesy visit to CUSTECH, L-PRES State Coordinator Otaru Abdulkadir Onoruoyiza stated that the initiative would boost livestock productivity, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and create youth employment opportunities, while also contributing to food security and income generation for rural communities.

L-PRES Value Chain Consultant, Heather Ronke Akani, emphasized the project’s potential for foreign exchange earnings through pasture exports and noted its relevance to addressing national insecurity by fostering economic stability in rural zones.

CUSTECH Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, lauded the initiative, stating that it would not only support national livestock development efforts but also provide hands-on training and learning opportunities for agricultural science students at the university, making it a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Also present at the strategic meeting was Dr. Roland Oroh, Managing Director/CEO of Commodities Development Initiative (CDI), along with other value chain cluster coordinators.

The initiative is being supported under the World Bank-assisted L-PRES Project, aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization through inclusive partnerships.
Source- Tribune Online

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The commercialization of pasture production in Kogi State marks a strategic advancement in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda. As feed scarcity remains a significant bottleneck for livestock productivity, this initiative not only promises improved forage supply but also introduces opportunities for economic diversification, conflict resolution, and youth employment.

1. Enhancing Livestock Productivity and Feed Security
   The move to commercialize pasture production is critical in addressing the high cost and low availability of quality feed. By creating a sustainable supply chain of pasture, livestock producers in Kogi and neighboring states can reduce reliance on costly commercial feeds, improve animal nutrition, and enhance meat and dairy yields. The project’s design promotes organized and scalable feed production that can meet both domestic and export demand.
2. Promoting Peace and Reducing Farmer-Herder Conflict
   Structured pasture production encourages more settled livestock systems, reducing the need for migratory grazing that often results in land disputes. This initiative, by providing designated grazing zones and forage banks, contributes directly to peacebuilding and land use harmony in communities previously affected by herder-farmer conflicts. It lays the groundwork for long-term coexistence through integrated land management.
3. Youth Employment and Agribusiness Opportunities
   The pasture value chain presents a range of employment opportunities—from land preparation and planting to harvesting, baling, processing, and logistics. The involvement of CUSTECH ensures that agricultural students are trained in these practical skills, creating a workforce equipped to manage and scale pasture businesses. The initiative aligns with broader state and national goals of reducing youth unemployment through agribusiness engagement.
4. Boosting Foreign Exchange through Forage Export
   With increasing demand for quality hay and forage in neighboring countries and the Middle East, Nigeria—through Kogi’s pilot—can enter this market competitively. Export-grade pasture production offers a promising non-oil revenue stream for the country. However, achieving this will require investment in quality control, processing infrastructure, and export logistics. Kogi’s strategic location offers an advantage for this kind of agro-export development.
5.  Strengthening Academia-Industry Partnerships for Agricultural Innovation
   The collaboration with Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) introduces a vital academic dimension to the project. It enables evidence-based pasture development, supports agronomic research, and provides hands-on learning for students. The project becomes a living lab for innovation, making it a replicable model for other states seeking to integrate higher institutions into their agricultural development plans.
6.  Laying the Foundation for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
   The Kogi L-PRES model highlights how public resources and private-sector expertise can be effectively aligned to drive sustainable agricultural growth. With institutions like CUSTECH providing land and technical capacity, and actors like the Commodities Development Initiative (CDI) supporting value chain organization, the groundwork is set for future investments in pasture development under viable PPP arrangements.

Conclusion
Kogi State’s pasture commercialization initiative is more than a pilot—it is a strategic lever to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector. Through integrated planning, university collaboration, and export-focused visioning, the project stands to deliver economic, social, and environmental value. Agri-food stakeholders across Nigeria should watch this development closely, as it offers a blueprint for scalable, climate-smart, and conflict-sensitive livestock feed systems.”