By Chinyere Anyanwu
Efforts to improve Nigeria’s struggling livestock value chain received a major boost on as The Alternative Bank formally handed over its agricultural research project to Plateau State University (PLASU), aimed at addressing the critical gap in livestock feed availability through the cultivation of Alfalfa.
Alfafa is a highly nutritious forage crop used as feed for livestock, particularly cattle, sheeps and goats. The project was formally handed to PLASU as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitment to sustainable development.
Group Head, Structured Trade and Commodities Finance at The Alternative Bank, Gbenga Awe said that the project, initially piloted in partnership with sector experts and PLASU, provides critical insights into optimizing local Alfalfa cultivation for scalable impact.
Awe added that with this handover, PLASU will spearhead further research and development while engaging the state government to explore widespread implementation.
“The Alternative Bank will continue to provide funding and strategic support to ensure long-term success. This partnership is not just about cultivating Alfalfa. It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem,” said,
According to him, the university is targeting a yield of 10 tons per hectare, which, if achieved, would set a new standard for domestic forage production.
Awe noted that experts have long pointed to poor feed quality and high costs as major obstacles hindering the growth of Nigeria’s livestock sector. “With over 70 per cent of livestock farmers relying on sub-optimal feeding practices, the country continues to miss out on the full economic potential of its animal husbandry industry.”
Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shedrack Gaya Best, described the handover as a milestone in its agricultural mission. “This is a great day for us. Bokkos has a rich history in livestock, and this project reinforces our commitment to innovation and impact,” he said.
At the federal level, the project has also received attention. Representing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Richard Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser on Knowledge Management and Communication, called the initiative a model for national rollout.
“This reflects the vision of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to grow the livestock sector’s GDP contribution and place youth and women at the centre of that growth,” Mbaram said. The bank’s said that its support for the project underscored its role in the broader development ecosystem, with a focus on investing in sectors with long-term socio-economic impact.
The bank’s Head, Corporate Social Investment, Solomon Okonkwo said, “Beyond financial services, our mission is to drive meaningful change through investment in strategic sectors.”
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of national development, and we believe research-driven solutions like this will empower farmers, boost food security, and contribute to economic resilience,” he added.
Stakeholders say the project demonstrates how partnerships among banks, universities, and government agencies can help bridge the research-to-practice gap and create practical, scalable solutions to enduring challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, particularly in livestock feed production.