By: Haruna Kuyateh
The National Livestock Owners Association (NALOA) has engaged stakeholders in the North Bank Region on livestock development with a view towards protecting cattle tracks to address recurring conflicts between livestock owners and crop farmers.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at the Governor’s Office in Kerewan, formed part of the association’s restructuring of its national and regional executive bodies and provided an opportunity for the newly constituted North Bank Regional Executive to present its plans and discuss challenges with stakeholders.
Speaking at the meeting, NALOA President Ebrima O. Jallow underscored the importance of decentralising the association’s structures to promote livestock development, marketing and security across the country.
He commended the Governor’s Office and security services for their efforts to combat cattle rustling and maintain peace within livestock farming communities.
Jallow, however, expressed concern over increasing conflicts between livestock owners and crop farmers, attributing the disputes to encroachment on cattle tracks and grazing lands.
He also thanked the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, for supporting the livestock sector, citing the provision of 41 boreholes and fodder initiatives to improve water access and feeding for animals.
The NALOA president praised the role played by Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security agencies and the regional livestock association in resolving disputes between livestock owners and crop farmers.
He called on the newly elected regional executive members to intensify efforts to promote livestock security, peacebuilding and bushfire prevention.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan congratulated the new regional executive and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting livestock development as part of efforts to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods.
He disclosed plans to embark on a regional sensitisation campaign to educate farmers on the importance of preserving grazing areas and preventing encroachment on cattle tracks.
The governor also pledged support for the establishment of pasture farms in each district and promised office space for the regional livestock association.
Other speakers at the meeting included: North Bank Regional Police Commissioner Mustapha Sowe, Chief of Upper Badibou, Alhaji Mustapha Dibba, Regional Livestock Director Madou Camara among others.
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