Yola: Action Against Hunger (ACF), in collaboration with national and regional partners, has committed 10 million euros to implement a cross-border pastoral and livestock marketing project in the Lake Chad Basin. The initiative, titled Pastoralism and Livestock Marketing in Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad Cross-Border Territories (PASCO), aims to enhance pastoral livelihoods and strengthen livestock value chains across the three countries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Thierno Diallo, Country Director ACF Nigeria, announced this during a two-day national workshop in Yola, which featured the official unveiling of the project and the inaugural session of the National Orientation Committee. Diallo indicated that the project would run for four years, targeting pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the three countries. Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Pmabi, ACF Field Coordinator, Borno, he highlighted that the PASCO project is a territorial-based programme that focuses on livestock production and boosting territorial value chain activities across borders.
Mr. Jocelin Glaguidi, Chief of Party, PASCO, outlined the project as a strategic intervention aimed at improving the economic resilience and security of border communities affected by instability and economic exclusion. He stated that the project would support inclusive governance, enhance cross-border trade, and promote sustainable natural resource management in the Lake Chad Basin.
Alhaji Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, commended the project, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s focus on livestock development, which led to the creation of a dedicated livestock ministry in July 2024. Represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Wali, a Director in the ministry, Maiha remarked that the project would complement the National Livestock Accelerated Programme (NLAP) currently being implemented by the Federal Government.
Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, State Technical Director of Livestock Development, Borno, described the initiative as timely, emphasizing that Gov. Babagana Zulum has already made significant investments in the livestock sector. Kadal noted that areas of Borno previously affected by insecurity are now more accessible and conducive for livestock development and marketing activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the initiative was funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its Minka Peace and Resilience Fund and is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Applications of Development Methods (IRAM), in partnership with ACF and other partners. The event was attended by government officials, stakeholders, and representatives of pastoral communities and NGOs.