From Kayemo News
The Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project has completed six water projects across strategic locations in the three Senatorial Districts of the State to cushion the effects of the dry season on livestock farmers and ultimately promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
The completed projects are located in Ara-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government , Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti West, Irare-Ekiti in Moba Local Government, Emure-Ekiti, and Ayebode-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government and Omuo Ekiti in the State.
Speaking on the development, the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, said the intervention was part of the state government’s efforts to address the recurring challenges faced by livestock farmers during the dry season and to strengthen the livestock value chain in Ekiti.
According to him, the newly completed water points are equipped with solar-powered boreholes, overhead tanks, and watering troughs to serve both livestock and farming communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to water scarcity.
Mr. Adedipe said that this project is a deliberate step towards ensuring sustainable water supply for livestock farmers, especially during the dry season when competition for natural resources often leads to conflicts.
“With these facilities in place, we are promoting peaceful coexistence and supporting the growth of the livestock sector”,the Project Coordinator stated
Earlier, the Animal Husbandry Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adelodun , explained that the intervention would reduce pressure on grazing resources and improve animal health and productivity.
He added that the water points would also benefit nearby communities by improving access to clean water.
One of the Community leaders and beneficiaries in the host towns, Alhaji Saliu Mumini expressed appreciation to the state government and the L-PRES Project for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial to both herders and farmers.
They pledged to take ownership of the facilities and ensure proper maintenance.
The Ekiti L-PRES Project, a World Bank-assisted initiative, aims to boost livestock productivity, enhance resilience, and foster inclusive growth within the livestock value chain through infrastructure development, capacity building, and conflict prevention measures.