Experts in Nigeria’s livestock industry have praised a new research initiative supported by The Alternative Bank and Plateau State University (PLASU), describing it as a major step toward improving animal feed production.
Alfalfa, a high-protein forage crop widely used in other parts of the world, is now thriving in trials at PLASU with funding from The Alternative Bank. The crop is being hailed as a game-changer that could transform animal nutrition, increase livestock productivity, and reduce recurring farmer-herder conflicts.
The commendation of the initiative was made during the university’s Green Field Day on Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance Trials, held recently at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Plot in Bokkos, Plateau State.
The event brought together researchers, policymakers, farmers, agribusiness leaders, and development partners, who witnessed firsthand how the project transferred to PLASU in May 2025 under The Alternative Bank’s Corporate Social Investment programme was advancing livestock feed solutions in Nigeria.
Preliminary results from the trials have been highly encouraging, demonstrating clear viability under Plateau’s weather and soil conditions. Presenting a paper on “Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance under Plateau’s Climate”, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at PLASU and Lead Researcher, Associate Professor Hosea Finangwai, revealed that germination rates exceeded 85 per cent within two weeks.
He further explained that the crop adapted well to local soils, reaching heights of up to 66.5cm in just 13 weeks—figures consistent with global benchmarks. With projected biomass yields of 18–20 tons per hectare annually from three cuttings under rain-fed conditions, Alfalfa is emerging as a viable, high-nutrition forage option for Nigeria’s dairy and beef industries.
The research team also expects crude protein levels to align with international standards, underscoring Alfalfa’s potential to improve livestock feed quality and reshape ruminant nutrition nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of The Alternative Bank, Mr Hassan Yusuf, the Bank’s Head of Agriculture Finance, Ms Ugonwa Ikegwuonu, described the trials as a milestone for Nigeria’s livestock sector.
“This is a breakthrough moment. Alfalfa can redefine livestock farming and secure Nigeria’s food future. Seeing students, researchers, and farmers interact around the trials proves the value of this partnership. PLASU has advanced the science while also creating a model of how academia and financial institutions can collaborate to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions. This milestone strengthens our resolve and reinforces our mission to invest in initiatives that create widescale opportunities and foster economic resilience,” Yusuf said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of PLASU, Prof. Shedrack Best, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Associate Professor Keziah Ayuba, commended The Alternative Bank for its pioneering support. He noted that the project has positioned the university as a hub for agricultural innovation in Nigeria, while also equipping students with field experience, entrepreneurial opportunities, and national visibility.
Members of the herders’ community present at the event expressed gratitude for being recognised and pledged their support for the initiative.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Sunday Akpa, applauded the collaboration and pledged the state government’s readiness to expand the project across all 17 local government areas. He described it as a pathway to unlocking the livestock value chain, improving rural livelihoods, and strengthening food security in the state.
The Alfalfa initiative remains a key part of The Alternative Bank’s wider strategy to support agricultural value chains and university-led agribusiness innovations. Through investments in research-driven projects with commercial potential, the Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to regenerative agriculture, non-interest financing solutions, and sustainable development across Nigeria.