Grassland Research in Nigeria - A Survey with Recommendations

Abstract

PAST and present attempts to upgrade grassland productivity in Nigeria are briefly surveyed. The considerable potential of the Nigerian environment for grassland farming and the tremendous research efforts applied are not reflected in the level of animal production which, at this stage, is low. The imbalance is attributed to shortage of expertise, limited application of tropical agronomic principles and weakness in the dissemination of research findings. Proposals are made in respect of a proper integration of the soil, pasture and animal systems whereby the need for expensive conservation and supplementary feeding procedures will be reduced. The implications of the suggestions are discussed.