Action Against Hunger, ACF, in collaboration with national and regional partners, has committed 10 million pounds to implement a cross-border pastoral and livestock marketing project in the Lake Chad Basin.
The initiative, titled Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories, PASCO, aims to enhance pastoral livelihoods and strengthen livestock value chains across the three countries.
The Country Director, ACF Nigeria, Mr Thierno Diallo, said this yesterday in Yola, during a two-day national workshop, which featured the official unveiling of the project and inaugural session of the National Orientation Committee.
Diallo said the project would run for four years, targeting pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the three countries.
Represented by the ACF Field Coordinator, Borno, Mr Emmanuel Pmabi, Diallo said the PASCO project is a territorial-based programme that will focus on livestock production and boost territorial value chain activities across borders.
“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youths and vulnerable communities engaged in agro-pastoral activities, open up new markets and ensure that products have ready off-takers,” he said.
He noted that apart from climate-related challenges, lack of access to markets remain a major challenge for livestock producers, noting that the project was designed to address such by creating reliable market linkages.
The Chief of Party, PASCO, Mr Jocelin Glaguidi, outlined the project as a strategic intervention aimed at improving the economic resilience and security of border communities affected by instability and economic exclusion.
He said the project would also support inclusive governance, enhance cross-border trade and promote sustainable natural resource management in the Lake Chad Basin.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, commended the project, saying it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus on livestock development, which created a dedicated livestock ministry in July 2024.
Represented by a Director in the ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Wali, Maiha said the project would complement the National Livestock Accelerated Programme, NLAP, currently being implemented by the federal government.
“With infrastructure, security and collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border value chains that will benefit our pastoralists and boost national income,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges along transboundary routes, including insecurity and climate change, but assured that the federal government is actively addressing them.
The State Technical Director of Livestock Development, Borno, Dr Emmanuel Kadal, described the project as timely, noting that Governor Babagana Zulum has already made huge investments in the livestock sector.
“The governor has established international cattle markets across several local government areas to restore livelihoods and improve resilience in post-conflict communities, hence the project would boost productivity,” he said.
Kadal added that the areas in Borno State previously affected by insecurity are now more accessible and conducive for livestock development and marketing activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the initiative was funded by French Development Agency, FDA, through its Minka Peace and Resilience Fund.
NAN also reports that the project is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Applications of Development Methods, IRAM, in partnership with ACF and other partners.
The event was attended by government officials, stakeholders and representatives of pastoral communities and NGOs.(NAN)
