The Enugu State Government is strengthening conflict prevention and disease control measures around its livestock development programme as it seeks to protect investments being made under the World Bank supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project.
Commissioner for Agriculture Patrick Nwabueze said conflict and disease outbreaks could undermine livestock investments unless farmers, communities and government agencies worked together.
He spoke during training for members of a conflict mediation committee, livestock farmers and other stakeholders.
Nwabueze said the state had established an Integrated Livestock Development Centre along the Ubahu Amankanu axis in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The centre is expected to include a ranch capable of accommodating 15,000 cattle, automated meat processing facilities and irrigated pastures designed for changing climate conditions.
The government has also approved an initial N60 million counterpart contribution to the World Bank supported programme.
Nwabueze said protecting the investment required communication with farmers and communities on conflict prevention and disease management.
He called for stronger biosecurity measures and systems capable of identifying disease threats early.
The commissioner said interventions under the programme extended to Amagunze, Owo, Nara and Nkerefi in Nkanu East, livestock clusters in Enugu South and vaccination programmes across Udi, Awgu and Nsukka.
State Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Nnajieze said the training was intended to help communities understand the programme and take responsibility for its sustainability.
She said the project seeks to increase livestock production, strengthen animal healthcare, expand commercial opportunities and contribute to food security.
Participants are expected to learn how to identify emerging risks and respond before they develop into major crises affecting livestock farmers.
