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Food supply

Federal Government Partners with Rural Electrification Agency to Deploy Solar Mini-Grids in Grazing Reserves

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards modernizing livestock farming and improving rural livelihoods by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar mini-grids across selected grazing reserves. This partnership is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to boost food security, improve herd quality, and provide lighting, schools, healthcare centers, and veterinary clinics to rural communities. The initiative will power irrigation systems for year-round fodder, support schools, and healthcare centers, and stimulate livestock development, create jobs, and boost the rural economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between the Federal Government and the REA aims to modernize livestock farming and improve rural livelihoods in Nigeria.
  • The initiative will deploy solar mini-grids in selected grazing reserves, including Wawazenge (Gombe State), Wase (Plateau State), Gongoshi (Adamawa State), and Kau (Bwari Area Council, FCT), with plans to scale up nationwide.
  • The project will provide electricity for irrigation systems, improve herd quality, power lighting for rural communities, and support schools, healthcare centers, and veterinary clinics.
  • The initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and is expected to create jobs, boost the rural economy, and promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
  • The project's pilot phase is expected to begin soon, with the Permanent Secretary to the ministry describing it as a "big milestone" for the ministry's livestock transformation plan.

Statistics:

  • 417 grazing reserves in Nigeria will benefit from the initiative.
  • The pilot projects will begin in four grazing reserves: Wawazenge (Gombe State), Wase (Plateau State), Gongoshi (Adamawa State), and Kau (Bwari Area Council, FCT).
  • The initiative is expected to power irrigation systems for year-round fodder.
  • The project aims to create jobs and boost the rural economy in line with the agenda of Mr. President.
  • The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has partnered with the Federal Government to deploy solar mini-grids in the selected grazing reserves.

Sources:

  • The Federal Government, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) (online news source)
  • Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday (online news source)
  • Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director, REA (online news source)
  • Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary to the ministry (online news source)

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