AU-IBAR, FG Seek Improved Incomes for Livestock Farmers

Fadekemi Ajakaiye 

The federal government in collaboration with the African Union – Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), is actively working to broaden the market for livestock products, with the objective of increasing farmers’ incomes and improving food security. In pursuit of this goal, they are collaborating to establish the African Pastoral Market Development (APMD) platform, which aims to promote market-oriented transformations within pastoralism. At the opening ceremony of the APMD Technical Work Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Abuja yesterday, Minister of State, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance policies that support the livestock industry and lower food prices.

According to him, market demand for livestock products was strong, but the local livestock production industry had not kept pace with rapid industrialisation in other sectors.

Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has immense potentials for livestock development given its natural endowment in livestock population, suitable/favourable climate and vegetation, and a long-standing culture of animal husbandry by pastoralists in the country.

His words: “Nigeria’s livestock resources include about 21.2 million cattle, 76.3 million goats, 48.6 million sheep. These farm animals greatly contribute to and facilitate the supply of animal protein, foreign exchange, raw materials for agro-allied industries which will ultimate assist to achieve Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

According to him, “Nigeria is a major hub of animal product consumption in West Africa and is the most important market for livestock in the sub- region. It is also one of the largest livestock-raising countries in the region. Meeting the ever-increasing domestic demand and access to these flourishing markets are major economic stakes for Nigeria and for the neighboring Sahel countries that raise livestock.
He noted however that due to inadequate market information, most small holder farmer who constitute most of the farming populace are unable to take advantage of the prevailing high price for animal agricultural products, thereby allowing the greater part of the profit margin to go to the middlemen.

He continued: “The pastoralists should form cooperative societies so that they can pool their resources together. This will go a long way in ensuring that they procure inputs like feed, vaccines drugs etc. together from genuine source hence better quality at a reduced cost. They could also source for loan from credit institutions under that umbrella.

Expectedly, the workshop aims to enhance knowledge and exchange the successful experiences of Pastoral livestock market system in the above stated countries. It is hoped that the benefits of selecting Nigeria as the light house will promote cooperation, income generation and entrepreneurship especially among socially disadvantaged groups including pastoralist, women and youths, thus effectively contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).”
The  Director, AU-IBAR Dr. Huyam Salih, represented by the APMD Project Coordinator, Prof. Ahmed Eibeltagy, emphasised that the platform aims to bolster the livestock sector and safeguard rural incomes derived from meat and livestock products.

She described the APMD Platform as a beacon of hope for millions of pastoralists, stating, “The launch of the APMD Platform occurs at a pivotal moment, allowing us to address existing challenges. By promoting collaboration and innovation, we can create sustainable growth opportunities. This workshop is a crucial step towards developing strategies that empower pastoral communities and facilitate transformation.”

She outlined three primary pillars guiding their initiatives: an enabling policy environment, a functional data ecosystem, and private-sector integration. She expressed gratitude to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their financial backing and strategic collaboration, noting that their ongoing investment in the pastoral livestock value chain is both visionary and impactful, helping to tackle significant challenges and foster sustainable economic growth for pastoral communities throughout the region.

She concluded : “As Nigeria serves as one of our leading countries, I am optimistic that the insights and success stories shared during this workshop will motivate other nations to join our efforts.”
APMD Platform Technical Pillar Planning and Stakeholder Engagement workshop brought together experts and key stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon  and Chad  to chart a transformative path for Africa’s pastoral communities.

Nigeria and Kenya have been identified as a “Lighthouse Country,” where the APMD Platform will initially translate strategies into action.
Six additional Strategic Outreach Countries (SOCs) will benefit from the lessons learned during this phase, in a bid to scale up success across the region.

The goal is to foster collaboration among pastoral livestock stakeholders and ensure that pastoralists can access more profitable markets while ensuring food security across Africa,” she added.

The Director of Animal Husbandry, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Winnie Lai-Solarin, Dr. Winnie Lai-Solarin, Dr. Winnie Lai-Solarin, emphasised the importance of the Agricultural Policy and Market Development APMD in facilitating enhanced opportunities within the livestock sector.

She stated that the establishment of a dedicated livestock ministry will foster sector growth through initiatives aimed at raising awareness and demand for Nigerian cattle in both established and emerging markets.
She further highlighted that APMD is expected to stimulate economic activity and yield beneficial effects for farmers and businesses throughout the entire supply chain.