South Sudan’s Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo Nyikwac, has called on countries in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region to strengthen cooperation on livestock management, emphasizing the need for collective action on cross-border cattle movement.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Nyikwac said transhumant grazing across national borders should be properly regulated and legally facilitated to enable pastoral communities to access grazing land and water without disruption.

“Livestock movement from one country to another must be organized and allowed through cooperation,” the minister said, noting that uneven distribution of grazing resources across the region makes regional collaboration essential.

Nyikwac stressed that no single country can address livestock-related challenges on its own and urged IGAD member states to share expertise and support one another. He cited Ethiopia’s advances in livestock development as a model that could benefit neighboring countries, including South Sudan, through technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The minister also highlighted the importance of developing livestock corridors, water points, and designated grazing areas to minimize losses and boost productivity. Improved planning, he said, would help herders sustain their cattle during difficult seasons while reducing conflict and preventable deaths.

Capacity building was identified as another priority, with Nyikwac calling for enhanced training for livestock keepers, better veterinary services, and stronger disease prevention systems to protect herds and improve livelihoods.

He further appealed to regional governments and development partners to invest more in livestock development, underscoring that cooperation within IGAD and across Africa is vital for enabling pastoral communities to support themselves and contribute to economic growth.

Nyikwac concluded by emphasizing that unity and shared responsibility among African nations are key to strengthening the livestock sector and ensuring long-term sustainability for pastoralists across the region.