The Kihang Buhit PEACE Farm in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State recently hosted the Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries, Dr. Sunday Akpa, alongside senior directors from the Ministry, during a strategic visit to assess the progress and impact of the community’s sustainable agriculture and peacebuilding initiatives.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Commissioner and his delegation to engage directly with project beneficiaries who have embraced sustainable forage production and utilisation as a means of improving livestock nutrition, strengthening livelihoods, and fostering peaceful collaboration between farmers and herders.
Implemented by the Youth, Adolescent, Reflection and Action Centre (YARAC), the initiative is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme. The project demonstrates how climate-smart agricultural practices can serve as practical tools for conflict prevention, economic empowerment, and community resilience.
During the visit, Dr. Akpa commended the programme partners for their timely intervention and applauded the commitment of the Kihang Buhit community to adopting innovative agricultural practices. He highlighted the successful cultivation of improved forage varieties, including Brachiaria (Congo grass) and Mucuna legumes, as well as the adoption of organic manure production and solar-powered irrigation systems that support both crop cultivation and access to clean drinking water.
The Commissioner also praised the establishment of the United Farmers and Herders Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, describing it as a strong example of how shared economic opportunities can strengthen relationships between farming and herding communities. The cooperative has expanded its activities beyond forage production to include dairy processing, producing locally made yoghurt and cheese that create additional sources of income for community members.
Recognising the progress achieved, Dr. Akpa pledged the Ministry’s continued support for the initiative, including the provision of a forage crusher to improve fodder processing and enhance livestock feed production.
Accompanying the Commissioner on the visit were senior officials from the Ministry, including Anthony Longrep Yitnoe (Director of Policy, Research and Statistics), Nanle Musa (Director of Information and Advocacy), Dafur K. S. Fomtu (Deputy Director of Livestock Services), Dakye Wilfred Habila (Director of Animal Feed Services), Esther Mangai (Director of Extension and Nutrition), Munidang Jonah (Acting Director of Administration), and Eric Longbaam Yakubu (ICT/Media).
The visit reaffirmed the importance of collaborative partnerships between government, development partners, and local communities in advancing sustainable agriculture, improving livelihoods, and building lasting peace across Plateau State.
This initiative is supported by the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme, in partnership with Tetra Tech and ActionAid Nigeria, and is implemented by YARAC.