RUGA: Zamfara set to receive imported goats, cows from Norway, S. Africa

Zamfara state government has concluded plans to import goats and cows from South Africa and Norway to develop RUGA settlements in the state.

Governor Bello Matawalle announced this in Kaura-namoda during the stakeholders training and step down mobilisation on RUGA Development which was organised by Rahusa Ventures and sponsored by Senator Sahabi Yau Kaura.

RUGA (Rural Grazing Area) settlement is an initiative by the federal government to settle migrant pastoral families, cattle herders and animal farmers in newly created, organized rural areas.

Represented by the Commissioner of Forestry and Livestock Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the governor said the animals would be kept at RUGA in Maradun Local Government Area to serve as a model as part of the state government’s efforts in developing RUGA settlements.

“We have since placed an order and the animals would arrive in the state soon,” he said.

Matawalle said the sum of N2.4 billion was spent on the construction of the Zamfara RUGA settlement in Maradun Local Government Area, adding that it was almost in completion stage.

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He stressed that a total sum of N8.6 billon was earmarked for the construction of three RUGA settlements in the three Senatorial Zones in the state.

Speaking at the occasion, the consultant for the workshop, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada said the workshop was aimed at training the stakeholders on how to develop their own grazing lands in order to avoid a clash with Fulani herders.

He said, “250 participants were selected from the three local government areas of Zamfara North Senatorial Zone who are mainly farmers, herders, traditional and political leaders”.

Maiwada said by the time the stakeholders were able to organise their own grazing lands, the issue of Fulani herders clash, banditry and cattle rustling would be minimised or be completely wiped out.

He commended Senator Sahabi Yau for organising the workshop as part of his constituency project, calling on all the politicians in the state to emulate him.