The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently held stakeholders meeting focused on Development Support Tools and Satellite-Guided Grazing, aimed at reducing livestock emissions in Nigeria. This initiative is part of efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable livestock practices. The meeting discussed strategies to implement climate-smart livestock feeding systems, which have been shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve productivity. Some approaches being explored include using crop residues, fermented protein feeds, and climate-resilient forages. The Federal Government has set ambitious targets, including increasing milk production, creating jobs, and reducing emissions. To achieve these goals, the government plans to establish large-scale fodder production, utilize solar-powered irrigation, and create national communal ranches. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate objectives, including improved GHG reporting, targeted mitigation planning, and readiness for climate finance mechanisms. The primary purpose of this project is to develop a durable and regionally suitable near-real-time dataset of forage resources that enables co-creation of decision-relevant tools for pastoralists and ranchers; to equip and incentivize pastoralists and ranchers in focal communities to use decision support tools effectively and sustainably manage their herds through engagement with trusted partners, associations, or buyers; and to influence the global vision on grasslands conservation and climate action by elevating sustainable grazing management as a priority, including leveraging resources to scale up improved practices.
The Director General (Dr. Joseph Onaja) addressed the stakeholders, outlining the research objectives, problem statement, scope, and expected outputs, which will be achieved within a three-year timeframe. He highlighted the need to address the Nigeria Rangeland Crisis and emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing Development Support Tools and Satellite-Guided Grazing initiatives to promote sustainable livestock practices and mitigate livestock emissions in Nigeria.
Representatives from various organizations, including the Center for Arid Zone and Wetland Ecology, University of Ibadan, Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Livestock, National Animal Production Research Institute, Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the National Park Service, attended a stakeholders meeting on March 17th -18th, 2026. The meeting focused on Development Support Tools and Satellite-Guided Grazing initiatives aimed at mitigating livestock emissions and promoting sustainable livestock practices in Nigeria.
The stakeholders meeting on Development Support Tools and Satellite-Guided Grazing featured notable speakers, including Prof. Sulaiman I. Muhammad from the Center for Arid Zone and Wetland Ecology, who discussed the Nigeria Rangeland Crisis; Dr. Olusegun Oyediran Oyebola from the University of Ibadan, who presented on Decision Support Tool Design and Co-Development; Mr. Chris Aiwuyo from the Federal Ministry of Environment, who focused on Policy Alignment and Institutional Coordination; Dr. Danjuma Muhammad, Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources who focuses adapting the rangeland management practices at Federal, State and Local level perspective from Kano State; Dr. Muhammad Said Tanko focused on Management strategies;Head of the National Animal Production Research Institute; Dr. Saleh B. Momale, who shared insights on Policy Practices from the Federal Ministry of Livestock; and Dr. Bala Lukshi, Honorable Commissioner, Bauchi State Ministry of Livestock Development shared his experience. Their collective expertise aimed to address livestock emissions and promote sustainable practices in Nigeria.
Federal Government initiative through NCF’s on Development Support Tools and Satellite-Guided Grazing has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s livestock sector, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved productivity, and enhanced food security. By promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative can contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders will be crucial in achieving the Federal Government’s targets, including increased milk production, job creation, and emissions reduction. Ultimately, this initiative can transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, improving livelihoods and contributing to a more sustainable future.
