Niger State contains some of Nigeria’s most important grazing lands that serve as vital corridors for traditional cattle movement. The state officially maintains three gazetted grazing reserves covering approximately 48,000 hectares combined. The largest is the Bobi Grazing Reserve in Mariga Local Government Area, established in the 1950s and spanning 35,000 hectares with improved water infrastructure, though currently operating below its 50,000-cattle capacity. The Kainji Grazing Reserve in Borgu LGA covers 8,700 hectares near Kainji Lake and includes veterinary facilities, but faces seasonal flooding challenges. The smallest is the Zungeru Grazing Reserve in Wushishi LGA at 4,300 hectares along the Kaduna River, which serves as prime dry-season grazing land but suffers from increasing encroachment by crop farmers.

Beyond the official reserves, traditional grazing corridors have been used for generations by pastoralists. The key Sokoto-Kano axis runs 200km through Rijau, Kontagora and Mashegu, containing 47 seasonal watering points that support cattle movement, though this route increasingly faces blockages from expanding farmland. Another important traditional route follows the north-south transhumance pattern from Borgu through Mokwa to Lavun, with 15 historically recognized resting points that are now largely converted to agricultural use. These unofficial corridors remain critical for pastoral livelihoods despite growing challenges.

Vegetation analysis reveals that 68% of Niger State’s grazing areas consist of savanna grasslands, predominantly in the northern regions. Another 22% comprise the highly productive floodplains along the Niger River Valley, while 10% have become degraded lands, mainly along the southern fringes. Water resources for livestock include 142 mapped perennial water points and only 38 functional boreholes across all grazing reserves. Seasonal variations create serious challenges, with about 60% of water sources drying up by February each year, creating intense competition during peak dry periods.