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A discovery in Plateau State is raising fresh hope for Nigeria’s livestock industry and for the farmers and herders whose lives depend on it.
The Alternative Bank, in partnership with Plateau State University (PLASU), has unveiled promising trial results for alfalfa, a high protein forage crop widely regarded as the “queen of forages.” With its ability to deliver superior nutrition to cattle, sheep, and goats, the crop is poised to transform animal feed, boost milk and meat production, and ease long-standing tensions between farmers and herders.
The breakthrough was showcased at PLASU’s Green Field Day on Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance Trials, held at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture Research Plot in Bokkos.
Funded by The Alternative Bank under its Corporate Social Investment programme, the project has been thriving since its launch in May 2025. Early results show alfalfa thriving under Plateau’s weather and soil conditions, achieving over 85% germination in just two weeks and growing to heights of 66.5 cm in 13 weeks figures that match international benchmarks. Researchers project yields of 18–20 tonnes per hectare annually under rain-fed conditions, with protein levels suitable for dairy and beef cattle.
This is a breakthrough moment, said the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Yusuf, represented by the Head of Agric Finance, Ugonwa Ikegwuonu. Alfalfa can redefine livestock farming and secure Nigeria’s food future. What excites us most is seeing students, researchers, and farmers working together to build sustainable solutions.
For many farmers and herders present, the promise of reliable, nutritious feed meant more than research data it meant hope. Representatives of the herders’ community expressed gratitude for being included in the process, pledging their support to ensure the project thrives.
The Vice-Chancellor of PLASU, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, praised the bank’s support, saying the project not only positions the university as a hub of agricultural innovation but also equips students with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
The Plateau State Government, through Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Sunday Akpa, pledged to scale the initiative across all 17 local government areas, describing it as a pathway to unlock the livestock value chain, enhance rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security.
For The Alternative Bank, the alfalfa initiative is part of a bigger vision supporting agricultural value chains, fostering regenerative farming, and proving that finance and academia can partner to solve real-life challenges.
For farmers and herders in Plateau, however, it may be the seed of peace, prosperity, and a new era in livestock farming.