Could a National Hay Programme Feed Nigeria’s Cattle and End Open Grazing?

Nigeria has an estimated 20 million cattle, and I believe the country needs a reliable hay-production and storage system to support ranching and reduce dependence on open grazing. Crop residues such as maize stover could supply part of the feed requirement. I estimate that farm waste could provide up to half of cattle feed if it is properly collected, processed and supplemented with protein from feed mills. Fresh leafy forage could require fewer supplements. I propose encouraging schools, government facilities, farms and communities to produce hay, with market collection points and warehouses for storage. Once enough hay is available across the country and production is sustainable, open grazing could be phased out in favour of a ranch-based system.

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