Action Against Hunger (ACF), in collaboration with national and regional partners, has committed £10 million 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 improve pastoral livelihoods and strengthen livestock value chains across Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon.
ACF Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Thierno Diallo, made this known in Yola during a two-day national workshop, which featured the official launch of the project and the inaugural session of the National Orientation Committee.
Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Pmabi, ACF Field Coordinator in Borno, Diallo said the four-year project targets pastoral and agro-pastoral communities across the three countries.
He explained that PASCO is a territory-based programme focusing on livestock production and enhancing value chain activities across borders.
“The project will improve livelihoods, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable agro-pastoral communities. It will open up new markets and ensure reliable off-takers for livestock products,” he said.
He noted that, beyond climate-related challenges, limited market access remained a key issue for livestock producers. The project, he said, is designed to address this by creating sustainable market linkages.
Also speaking, Mr. Jocelin Glaguidi, Chief of Party, PASCO, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to enhance economic resilience and security in border communities affected by instability and exclusion.
He said the project would also promote inclusive governance, cross-border trade, and sustainable natural resource management within the Lake Chad Basin.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, lauded the project, describing it as in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s renewed focus on livestock development. He noted that a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development was established in July 2024 to drive this agenda.
The Minister stated that the project complements the ongoing National Livestock Accelerated Programme (NLAP), spearheaded by the Federal Government.
“With the right infrastructure, enhanced security, and strong collaboration among the three countries, we can develop seamless cross-border livestock value chains that will benefit pastoralists and increase national revenue,” he said.
He acknowledged existing challenges along transboundary routes, including insecurity and climate change, but assured that the Federal Government is actively addressing them.
Dr. Emmanuel Kadal, State Technical Director of Livestock Development in Borno, described the project as timely, noting that Governor Babagana Zulum has made substantial investments in the sector.
“The governor has established international cattle markets in several local government areas to restore livelihoods and enhance resilience in post-conflict communities. This project will further boost productivity,” he stated.
Kadal added that areas of Borno previously affected by insecurity are now more accessible and suitable for livestock development and trade.
The project is funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) through its Minka Peace and Resilience Fund.
It is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Applications of Development Methods (IRAM), in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and other stakeholders.
The event was attended by government officials, development partners, stakeholders, pastoral community representatives, and NGOs.