In a groundbreaking move aimed at revolutionizing livestock nutrition and boosting climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria, the Alternative Bank has officially transferred its alfalfa production investment project to Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos. This initiative, implemented through a public-private partnership, brings together the Alternative Bank, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and PLASU, with a shared vision of advancing sustainable animal feed production and empowering rural communities.

A Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture

The handover ceremony held in Bokkos marked the formal launch of the Alfalfa Project, a strategic intervention designed to improve livestock productivity, restore soil health, and reduce pastoral conflicts through the cultivation of alfalfa—a highly nutritious, nitrogen-fixing legume widely used for animal feed across countries like Kenya and Mexico.

Speaking at the event, Gbenga Awe, Group Head of Structured Trade and Commodities Finance at the Alternative Bank, emphasized that the project goes beyond agricultural output.

“This isn’t just about growing alfalfa. It’s about building a resilient agricultural ecosystem that delivers economic and social returns,” Awe explained. “With our non-interest financing model, we are investing in solutions that matter—solutions that empower communities and transform food systems.”

The Alternative Bank, a subsidiary of Sterling Financial Holdings, operates on a profit-and-loss sharing model that enables investment in impactful ideas, particularly in underserved sectors like agriculture.

Why Alfalfa and Why Plateau?

Alfalfa is known for its high protein content, deep root system, and ability to regenerate degraded soils. The crop is ideal for improving livestock nutrition and resilience, especially in the face of climate variability.

According to Dr. Hosea Finangwai, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at PLASU, alfalfa seeds were sourced from Kenya due to comparable climatic conditions. The university’s early field trials in Bokkos have yielded promising results.

“The microclimate in Bokkos mirrors that of high-performing alfalfa regions. After encountering setbacks in other parts of the state, Bokkos emerged as the ideal location,” he said. “Our next step is to scale production and optimize seed yield.”

PLASU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shedrach Gaya Best, described the project as a natural extension of the university’s commitment to agricultural development.

“We have a long-standing history of livestock training and dairy farming. With the new water infrastructure and the lessons from initial trials, we are well-positioned to lead this innovation.”

Tackling Livestock Challenges and Farmer-Herder Conflicts

Richard Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, praised the initiative as a “blueprint for national transformation.” He highlighted its potential to provide long-term solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing agricultural issues.

“Alfalfa has the potential to significantly reduce seasonal livestock migration and ease tensions between pastoralists and farmers. It offers a stable, locally sourced feed alternative that strengthens food systems and improves rural livelihoods,” Mbaram noted.

The project is also aligned with the recently launched Presidential Initiative on Youth and Women in Livestock, further emphasizing inclusive growth and innovation.

Local Adoption and Community Impact

Local farmers are beginning to take notice. Alex Amos, a potato farmer near Lamingo Dam, expressed cautious optimism.

“I hadn’t heard of alfalfa before, but if there’s a market for it, I’m interested,” he said.

Similarly, Ene Ameh, a wheat grower in Jos South, stated, “I’ve never been into feed crops, but this one seems worth exploring once seeds are accessible.”

The Alternative Bank has donated a mega farm to PLASU to facilitate the large-scale cultivation of alfalfa and other forage innovations. This gesture underscores the bank’s mission to fund initiatives that create resilient food systems and foster economic inclusivity.

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🌱 Why This Matters for Nigeria

This project is more than a crop introduction—it’s a strategic investment in climate-adaptive agriculture, livestock feed sustainability, and agricultural education. By harnessing local resources and public-private partnerships, it offers a scalable model that other states and universities can adopt.

With PLASU leading the charge, stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will reduce feed costs, increase livestock productivity, and support peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists.