EU, IUCN, NCF train Borgu livestock farmers on best practices

The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), in conjunction with the Kainji Lake National Park, on Friday, held a training interface with the livestock farmers of Borgu, Niger State.

The project was supported by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Save our Species and co-funded by the European Union (EU).

Speaking on the purpose of the training, Dr Stella Egbe, project coordinator for NCF in Niger, said: “The Foundation had an interaction with the Kainji Lake National Park to know their challenges, amongst which they found open grazing of the park lands is causing over grazing which is seriously affecting the Ecosystem. We also had Engagement with the locals to know their challenges and short and long-term alternatives. Engaging a trainer who interacted with the herders and trained them on modern cattle rearing methods which are viable, sustainable and economical.”

Egbe stressed a low turnout of the herders which she said cannot be unrelated to the current scarcity of Naira.

She, however, expressed optimism that the few that attended would pass the message across since the Fulanis work in association.

Desk officer of the Kainji Lake National Park, Usman Goni, stressed the importance of the collaboration as to assist the NCF to have strength in carrying out its activities.

Goni, while highlighting challenges faced, urged the federal government to assist in solving them.

“We are affected by illegal hunting, Fishing, Mining and Logging. The Federal Government should please assist us,” he said.

At the end of the programme, the Hardon Fulani Borgu, expressed appreciation and promised full co-operation of the Fulanis with the government to achieve the set goals.

Another participant from Wawa expressed happiness for the opportunity and also thanked the organizers, especially the trainer.