Jigawa State launches 100,000-Hectare alfalfa project to boost livestock feed and value chain

NIGERIA – The Jigawa State Government has officially launched a large-scale alfalfa production initiative across 100,000 hectares of farmland, aiming to improve access to quality livestock feed and position the state as a key player in the global livestock market.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Salem Abduraman, told journalists that the initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2025 between the state government and Elmina Farms, under which alfalfa grass will be cultivated for both local consumption and export.

Operating under a special purpose vehicle (SPV) structure, the project allocates 35 per cent equity to the state government, 45 per cent to private investors, and 15 per cent to host communities, with the remaining shares held by other stakeholders. 

To promote community participation, a 200-hectare pilot phase will benefit surrounding communities, complemented by corporate social responsibility programs targeting women and youth.

“Feed is a critical component of livestock production after improved genetics. Our pasture development initiative aims to tackle feed shortages and boost livestock productivity,” Prof. Abduraman said. 

Preliminary research at Matura Agro Farms, supported by PropCom+, indicates that locally grown alfalfa contains up to 24 per cent protein, making it competitive on a global scale.

He added that Jigawa’s soil and water resources make the state suitable for both rain-fed and irrigated alfalfa cultivation. 

A 1,000-hectare pilot phase will employ 20 pivot irrigation systems, each covering 50 hectares, with soil assessments currently underway. 

Experts from the Centre for Dryland Agriculture and irrigation specialists are conducting further technical evaluations.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has also deployed digital monitoring and security infrastructure for the project. Land clearing will commence after soil tests, with full production expected by November.

Prof. Abduraman emphasised that the project will generate significant employment opportunities, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and increase access to nutrient-rich feed, thereby improving milk yield and livestock productivity while discouraging cattle from grazing on cultivated crops.

Under a partnership with the government of Córdoba, Argentina, selected youths will receive technical training in livestock and forage production. 

The state is also consulting experts to establish specialised processing centres for value addition to dairy and poultry. 

The initiative is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance household incomes, and strengthen Jigawa’s livestock value chain.

Market outlook

Nigeria’s livestock sector contributes approximately 6 per cent to the country’s GDP, with livestock feed production remaining a critical bottleneck. 

Despite growing demand, the sector imports significant quantities of feed ingredients, creating a gap that local production of nutrient-rich forages such as alfalfa could help fill. 

Analysts suggest that improving domestic feed supply could reduce imports, enhance livestock productivity, and increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in global livestock markets. 

The Jigawa project aligns with broader national goals of strengthening the feed sector, boosting exports, and increasing resilience within Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

Prof. Abduraman expressed optimism that large-scale alfalfa production would transform livestock farming in Jigawa, improve food security, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global forage market.

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