Herders and farmers are very excited over the initiative to ensure alternative feedstock for cattle by the Centre for Social Change and Economic Development Nigeria (CSCED).
Dr Fufa Gimba, a facilitator in the ongoing training by CSCED for herders and farmers, said this on Saturday, in Jalingo.
Gimba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of the training that the massive turn out of herders and farmers for the training, which exceeded the 600 target across the state, was a pointer to this.
According to him, the trainers had to appeal to others to go back home, assuring them that they would be given an opportunity to receive their own training like those being trained now.
“I was overwhelmed with the crowd of herders and farmers who turned out for the training in Nyivu and Mararaba communities, of Donga Local Government Area (LGA), of the state.
“After seeking clearance from their village head and Miyyeti Allah, a large crowd of interested members showed up at the training venues,” he said.
Gimba noted that they both expressed delight over the introduction of alternative feedstock for animals, saying they were tired of fighting each other over grazing issues.
He explained that most of the materials used in formulating the feeds such as salt and urea, were common in the communities, except molasses which would be provided for them.
Alhaji Mustapha Baba, team leader of the centre, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm showed by herders and famers over the new feeding method.
Baba said the success story so far was that the massive show of interest had enabled the facilitators to surpass the 600 target, where each of the 20 facilitators were to train a minimum of 30 herders and famers.
“The success story is so encouraging to all stakeholders who have been looking for solutions to the farmers and herders crisis,” he said.
The team leader explained that the aim of the training, with the support of UN Peace building, UN Development programme (UNDP), UN Human Rights Commission and UN Women, was to curb farmers/herders conflicts in the country. (NAN)
