J-Invest 2026: Shettima endorses Jigawa’s premium alfalfa project to boost livestock, reduce herder-farmer clashes

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the large-scale premium alfalfa project being developed by Jigawa El-Meena Farms, JEFs, as a potential solution to Nigeria’s longstanding farmers-herders crisis.

Mr Shettima made the remark on Wednesday during a visit to the JEFs exhibition stand at the inaugural J-Invest Summit 2026 in Dutse, Jigawa State, where he toured investment displays showcasing opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and small business development.

The summit attracted senior government officials, investors, development partners and business leaders seeking to explore investment opportunities aimed at accelerating economic growth in Jigawa State.

Addressing participants, the Vice President reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s investment climate and supporting private sector investments capable of enhancing food security, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic development.

One of the major attractions at the summit was the Jigawa El-Meena Farms, JEFs, a Special Purpose Vehicle established to undertake large-scale production of premium alfalfa for Nigeria’s livestock industry.

During his visit to the exhibition stand, Mr Shettima expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact on the country’s livestock sector.

According to him, “With the Jigawa El-Meena Farms’ large-scale production of premium alfalfa, the farmers-herders crisis could become a thing of the past.”

His remarks highlight growing support for modern livestock production systems that rely on commercial forage cultivation rather than open grazing.

Experts believe that increased availability of quality animal feed would encourage ranching and feedlot operations, improve livestock productivity and reduce competition over land and water resources, which have been major drivers of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.

The JEFs project is developing an integrated premium alfalfa value chain to supply Nigeria’s dairy and livestock industries while positioning Jigawa State as a regional hub for high-quality forage production and exports.

The initiative also aligns with the Jigawa State Government’s strategy of leveraging its agricultural potential to attract private investment, create employment opportunities, expand exports and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

As one of the flagship projects showcased at the inaugural J-Invest Summit 2026, the premium alfalfa initiative demonstrated the growing role of innovation, climate-smart agriculture and strategic private sector investment in strengthening food security, modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry and promoting lasting peace and economic prosperity.