KACRAN calls for reforms in L-PRES program over claims of bias, exploitation
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has raised a strong call for an immediate end to sharp practices in the administration of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) program, particularly in Northern states.
The association claims that the initiative, originally intended to enhance pastoralist productivity and strengthen value chains, has been mismanaged, with the interests of rural herders and pastoralists sidelined.
KACRAN’s National President, Hon Khalil Mohd Bello, expressed disappointment at the prevalent notion that pastoralists—due to their rural and traditional lifestyles—are easily exploited or deceived. Highlighting how L-PRES is handled in most collaborating states, he praised Gombe and Nasarawa for ensuring pastoralists remain key beneficiaries. However, he lamented that in many other states, program implementers have allegedly prioritized their own families and affiliates over pastoralist women, who have long been active in the dairy sector.
“In some states, the selection of beneficiaries has been manipulated, sidelining true pastoralist stakeholders,” Bello stated. He recounted an incident where only 10 out of 200 training slots were allocated to pastoralist women during an L-PRES event he attended. Such actions, he believes, run counter to the policies of the World Bank and the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Northern Governors to boost livestock productivity.
KACRAN has demanded explanations from L-PRES implementers, questioning why relevant stakeholders were ignored during beneficiary selection, why participants with no connection to the dairy sector were included, and why the program seems focused on benefiting select groups rather than promoting the dairy milk value chain.
READ ALSO: KACRAN commends Tinubu’s groundbreaking push for livestock development
The association urged Northern State Governors to adopt a transparent, stakeholder-inclusive approach similar to Gombe State’s, ensuring pastoralist women receive the intended benefits. KACRAN also called for unpartnered Northern states to collaborate with the World Bank and closely monitor L-PRES execution.
For context, L-PRES is a six-year initiative aimed at enhancing livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization across key value chains, including beef cattle and small ruminants. Its broader goals encompass improving economic resilience, crisis response, and poverty alleviation by focusing on the rural population, who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s livestock economy.
Bello warned that without immediate reform, L-PRES risks becoming ineffective due to what he described as self-centered and exploitative practices by its implementers. He urged all parties involved to realign with the program’s original vision for the benefit of Nigeria’s pastoralist communities.
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