Review of USAID projects in four major livestock producing states in Nigeria, an assessment of range management

This region is characterized by frequent drought, and unless appropriate range management practices can be demonstrated and livestock producers persuaded to adopt those practices, both the delicate ecology of the region and its livestock industry will be done irreparable harm. Three general tasks were assigned to the assessment team. It studied the economic and social feasibility of alternative range management interventions appropriate for Nigeria and other regions of Africa. It examined the tsetse fly clearance operations and development of the cleared areas in terms of the implications for range management practices, land utilization, and animal production. It reviewed the construction, management and utilization of surface and borehole sources of water in relation to the impact of these wells upon land use, livestock grazing, and ecological balance. The major factors considered were the status of livestock herds and production, the human population, and the environment. The assessment team found that clear and definable benefits were attributable to appropriate range management techniques. Findings and recommendations for specific sites are included.