Safia, also known as Sapia, is a remote outstation situated in the Safia Valley in the Ijivitari Electorate of Oro Province, at approximately 9°34′60″S and 148°37′60″E. In the 1950s, the government established a cattle ranch there as part of its early efforts to develop the beef industry. 

 

The ranch operations over the years declined due to high transport costs and lack of sustained investment. Today, the site is abandoned, but its rehabilitation is a one of those priority Projects under the LDC Strategic Plan 2025–2030, consistent with the Government MTDP IV and the National Livestock Policy.

 

Government policy directions emphasize rebuilding the national cattle herd, reducing reliance on imported beef, and modernizing the abattoir infrastructure. Safia Ranch will be part of these interventions to:

– Rehabilitate and modernize state-owned ranches and abattoirs to restore production capacity. 

– Restock herds through breeder cattle imports to strengthen domestic beef supply,

– Support private sector ventures like Urawa Cattle Ranch, which seeks investment for large-scale grazing, 

– fostering public-private partnerships. 

– Promote smallholder participation and market access to create jobs and boost rural incomes.

 

These actions align with MTDP IV’s economic growth and employment targets, aiming to revive the livestock sector to generate revenue and reduce importation of meat