By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has intensified efforts to boost livestock and agricultural productivity through major infrastructure upgrades, disease control measures, and empowerment programs targeted at youth and women.
Speaking in Gombe, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Barnabas Malle, said the ministry is implementing broad-based reforms to transform the sector and ensure sustainability.
“We are prioritising the development of the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve, modernising livestock infrastructure, and empowering farmers with tools and training to improve productivity,” Malle stated.
He added that the ministry is working to modernize the state’s farming systems through projects like the ACReSAL Fish Farming Initiative, designed to enhance food production and create employment opportunities.
According to the commissioner, the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve has received substantial investment to make it fully functional and self-sustaining.
“We have carried out the re-demarcation of boundaries, established milk cooperatives for local producers, installed solar-powered boreholes for consistent water supply, and upgraded veterinary facilities to ensure animal health,” he explained.
The state has also intensified mass vaccination campaigns to curb livestock diseases and improve production efficiency. Malle revealed that Gombe is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to construct an ultra-modern abattoir aimed at improving hygiene and processing standards.
Similarly, under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience (L-PRES) Project, the state has equipped a new Disease Surveillance and Diagnostic Centre.
“This facility has advanced tools like microscopes, centrifuges, autoclaves, and solar-powered cold rooms for vaccine storage, allowing quicker detection and response to disease outbreaks,” he said.
Beyond livestock, the commissioner noted that the state is providing timely and subsidised fertiliser distribution to crop farmers to boost yields.
“We are supporting farmers with improved seedlings and agro-chemicals to achieve sustainable food security across all local government areas,” Malle said.
He also disclosed plans for a ₦50 billion water canalisation project that will channel water from the River Gongola to the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve.
“This project will address water scarcity, support livestock rearing, and enhance irrigation for surrounding communities,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s empowerment drive, Malle said that 100 youths have been trained and equipped under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) fish farming program.
“Each participant received ponds, fingerlings, and feed to start their own fish farms. This initiative provides sustainable livelihoods and increases fish production,” he explained.
He further noted that women farmers are receiving special attention through increased budgetary allocations and collaboration with the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON).
“Women play a vital role in food security, and we are ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive,” he said.
To modernise agriculture, the commissioner said the state is investing in mechanisation and technology-driven farming, particularly for key crops like maize and rice.
“We are exploring partnerships with global organisations such as the African Agricultural Technology Foundation to introduce advanced innovations that reduce post-harvest losses and improve yields,” he noted.
As part of efforts to enhance meat quality and hygiene, Malle announced the recent provision of a cooling van to the Gombe State Butchers Association for the safe transport of meat products.
Established shortly after the creation of Gombe State, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives oversees policies through five key departments: Administration and Finance; Planning, Research and Statistics; Livestock and Poultry; Veterinary Services; and Agricultural Services/Produce Inspection.
Animal husbandry — the breeding and rearing of domestic animals for meat, milk, and fiber — remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural agenda.
At the federal level, Nigeria’s agricultural framework has evolved with the transformation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the recent creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) in July 2024. The new ministry focuses exclusively on livestock modernization and private-sector partnerships.
Q “These state-level advancements align with the national vision of food security and sustainable development,” Malle concluded. “Gombe is positioning itself as a model for integrated agricultural growth across Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.”
