Tag: livestock

Nigeria and Brazil partnership could boost the global animal genetics market poised to reach $ 4.19 billion in 2029.

The market was estimated to be worth $2.97 billion  last year, according to MarketsandMarkets’ global animal genetics market report.

This followed agreement   between both countries to improve the Nigeria livestock industry with the rising demand for genetic materials to produce animals of superior breeds that are high-yield and disease-resistant.

The agreement focused on mechanisation, livestock infrastructure, and youth training, forming the foundation of the nation’s most ambitious livestock modernisation programme to date.

Analysts believe Nigeria is on the cusp of an agricultural revolution as a deepening strategic partnership with Brazil promises to supercharge the nation’s livestock sector, potentially adding over $42 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the next decade.

Speaking with The Nation, Head of Business Development for Africa, OCP Africa, Caleb Usoh lauded the federal government’s pursuit of international collaboration with Brazil, a country that has recorded tremendous success in livestock production.

“It’s exciting that the Federal government is taking steps to look for partnerships across the globe to enhance our agricultural practices. For countries such as Brazil, that have made significant impact and progress in livestock farming, it’s key that we learn from them — where they are now, and what has taken them to where they are.”

He emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange in accelerating industry growth.

“Knowledge sharing is very useful for the development of any industry. It helps you benchmark your progress and mirror what other countries have done successfully, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Usoh added.

With livestock still an underexplored area within Nigeria’s broader agricultural landscape, Usoh believes the potential for economic transformation is massive. “There is a big opportunity that we have not explored in the livestock segment of agriculture. It could become a significant addition to our gross domestic product(GDP), a major employer of labour, and a new window of investment for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”

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He , however, cautioned that success will depend heavily on how well the government implements the partnership agreements. “It’s a good development, but beyond just signing, the key issue is execution — how do we implement it in a way that becomes impactful in the Nigerian livestock space?”

Usoh advocated for the adoption of modern livestock practices including ranching and the integration of technology. “We must start teaching the operatives in that entire value chain the best global practices,” he said. “One big one is ranching. Many countries that have made significant progress in livestock have adopted ranching. It’s time we start putting science and technology into how we grow livestock, and how we get the most benefit out of them.”

He indicated that Brazil offers  expertise in the genetic improvement of dairy cattle through several technologies such as insemination and embryo transfer aimed at boosting the productivity of Nigeria’s cattle.  Usoh noted that Nigeria will be able to import doses of semen aimed at enhancing the milk productivity of cattle in Nigeria.

Brazil is a world leader in the production of bovine embryos, with 450,000 of the 600,000 embryos produced worldwide.

Brazil’s exports of bovine semen and embryos yielded $6.11 million last year, from $4.7 million the previous year, according to Agriculture Ministry data system Agrostat.

Senegal and Nigeria are even importing live cattle by air from Brazil to enhance smallholders’ herds focusing on daily milk revenue.

A Nigerian doctoral researcher in cattle nutrition and genetic improvement, Adeola Adesote,  highlighted the vast potential of the Nigeria-Brazil livestock partnership to revolutionize the country’s animal agriculture sector.

Adesote, a doctoral candidate at the Federal University of Campina Grande in Paraíba and FAZU University in Minas Gerais, Brazil, emphasised that the South American giant’s impressive track record in livestock production and the striking environmental similarities between the two nations make the new collaboration both timely and strategic.

“Brazil’s accomplishments in livestock are not accidental; they are the result of deliberate and sustained efforts in genetic improvement and modern management practices.What makes this partnership so exciting is that Brazil has excelled in conditions very similar to ours. They have hot, humid climates, vast savannahs, and tropical environments, much like what we experience in Nigeria. This means their genetic solutions and management strategies are directly transferable and highly adaptable to our local context,” Adesote said.

According to him, Brazil’s advanced work in selective breeding, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer technologies—backed by robust genetic data and performance evaluation—offers Nigeria a clear blueprint for success.

He noted that “the strategic infusion of superior genetics to enhance our indigenous breeds will make them more resilient and productive while maintaining their adaptive advantages to our local environment.”

The technology transfer, he said, could unlock transformational benefits across the entire livestock value chain. “With this new collaboration, I see a brighter future for Nigerian farmers and consumers alike, with strategic injection of advanced genetic material from Brazil, coupled with knowledge transfer and capacity building,” he stated.

Beyond the scientific gains, Adesote believes the economic implications for Nigeria are substantial.

“A more productive livestock sector translates directly into increased availability of affordable animal protein, a crucial step towards addressing food security challenges for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.Furthermore, improved livestock productivity will enhance the income of millions of smallholder farmers who rely on animal husbandry for their livelihoods, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and rural development,” ,” he explained.

As the partnership unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic that lessons from Brazil’s livestock success story could fast-track Nigeria’s journey toward a modern, efficient, and sustainable livestock industry.

 Recently, President Bola Tinubu assured Brazilian President Da Silva that all bottlenecks hindering Nigeria’s agricultural sector’s potential will be removed

President Bola Tinubu has told Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva that all the bottlenecks hindering the realisation of the agricultural sector’s potential, including livestock production in Nigeria, will be removed to enable food sovereignty and export.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Da Silva and some members of both countries’ cabinets at the Copacabana Forte, President Tinubu noted that bureaucracy contributes to delays in realising the agricultural sector’s potential.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.

He said Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, highlighted three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is working on an ambitious plan to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a $74 billion industry by 2035, driven by a significant increase in the national herd and flock. The initiative aims to address the growing domestic demand for meat and create substantial commercial opportunities for farmers, investors, and operators across the nation.

According to a source within the Ministry, the plan targets a surge in livestock population from approximately 400 million heads today to around 900 million by 2035.

The growth will be spearheaded by the rapid expansion of key sub-segments, including poultry, goats, and sheep.

“We are prioritising domestic growth to serve a growing population which will require a rise per capita meat intake,” the source stated. “This expansion is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a sustainable and profitable livestock industry that benefits all Nigerians.”

According to the source, the ministry’s strategy is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas to achieve this exponential growth. Central to this plan is the revitalisation and expansion of grazing reserves and the safeguarding of traditional cattle routes.

“We have already commenced taking stock of the Grazing Reserves and are presently determining and mapping the available land space that is un-encroached,” the source revealed. “The West African Cattle Route is also being surveyed and de-limited.”

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The source explained that the effort aims to mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders by ensuring designated grazing lands are available and protected. “By delineating these areas, the government hopes to create a more organised and sustainable system for livestock management. In addition to land management, the Ministry is implementing a comprehensive cattle tagging and registration program. This initiative will enable the monitoring of cattle movements, ensuring they remain within designated grazing routes and reserves. “We are starting to tag and register cattle that are entering into Nigeria,” the source explained. “The strategy is to monitor their movement and ensure that they cannot move outside the grazing routes and reserves. This will enhance traceability and security within the sector.”

According to the source, the anticipated growth in the livestock sector is expected to generate significant commercial opportunities. To this end, the Ministry envisions a thriving industry that not only meets domestic demand but also positions Nigeria as a key player in the regional livestock market.

“This will lead to a sector generating significant commercial business opportunity for farmers, investors, operators, states,” the source emphasised. “We are creating an environment where livestock farming is a profitable and sustainable enterprise.”

The focus on poultry, goats, and sheep reflects the growing demand for these meats and their relatively shorter production cycles, allowing for quicker returns on investment. The Ministry plans to support farmers with access to improved breeds, modern farming techniques, and financial resources.”

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has unveiled plans to scale Nigeria’s national livestock herd to 398.9 million through a structured feed and fodder policy aimed at transforming the sub-sector.

Speaking at the validation workshop for the National Animal Feed and Fodder Policy held Tuesday in Abuja, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative.

Maiha said the new policy is designed to enhance feed production, ensure a stable supply chain, and improve market access and investment opportunities.

This policy, he said, is central to achieving the national targets in food security, economic diversification and productivity.

“With a structured approach to feed and fodder, we are laying the foundation for sustainable livestock development,” Maiha stated.

He noted that the livestock industry has faced long-standing challenges such as insufficient feed supply, poor quality control, weak regulation, and limited private sector participation factors that have hindered productivity and resilience in the sector.

The draft policy, now undergoing stakeholder validation, proposes practical steps to address these issues, he said.

According to him, this focuses on expanding feed and fodder production, encouraging private sector investment, supporting research and innovation, setting quality benchmarks, and strengthening institutional coordination.

In her remarks, Director of Ruminants and Monogastric Development in the Ministry, Winnie Lai-Solarin,  stressed the urgency of the initiative.

She noted that feed and fodder account for over 70per cent of production costs in animal agriculture and have been a root cause of recurring farmer-herder conflicts due to scarcity.

“This document is timely. For the first time, Nigeria will have a national guide for the production, processing, marketing, and utilisation of feed and fodder.”

“It will cover all key areas, including legal frameworks around land access, training for farmers, market structures, and sustainable pasture utilization,” he said.

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She added that the policy will also include a robust monitoring mechanism to track implementation and ensure accountability.

Also, the President of the Nigerian Food and Fodder Multisector Platform, Prof Meikano Ari, described the policy as a critical milestone.

He called for strong private sector participation and emphasised the need for data-driven interventions.

“Feed and fodder remain the most significant constraint in Nigeria’s agri-livestock value chain. If we don’t address this, we cannot resolve the broader insecurity and land-use conflicts facing the country.

 “Investing in fodder production, particularly grass and pasture reserves, is essential for peace, productivity, and sustainability,” Prof Ari said.

The policy document, in development since 2018, is now at its final stage of stakeholder review before adoption and full implementation.

An international assessment says Nigeria and the African livestock sector require a robust data ecosystem to facilitate sustainable policy-making and development. The insights were part of a Baseline Assessment of Pastoral Livestock Marketing Chains conducted in Kenya and Nigeria.

The livestock industry in Africa, valued at $51 billion, plays a vital role in the continent’s economic growth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it accounts for approximately 35 per cent of the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP).

The primary aim of the assignment was to evaluate the existing conditions of the Pastoral Livestock Marketing Chain in both Kenya and Nigeria. Additionally, it seeks to offer significant insights that will assist the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of livestock markets within the Horn of Africa (HoA) and the Sahel through its African Pastoral Market Development (APMD) Platform.

Presenting the findings during the Stakeholders Inception and Official Launch Workshop on APMD Platform held in Kenya , Executive Director, Partners in Development Services (PDS), Sudan, Dr. Ahmed Abu Sin, emphasised that the lack of a reliable database has hindered governments across the continent from determining the number of livestock owned and their production value, in addition to the absence of essential data regarding livestock trade.

The assessment, according to him, indicated that although Kenya and Nigeria possess comparatively developed frameworks, both nations encounter difficulties in execution, data accessibility, and disease monitoring.

In particular, regarding the Sahel Cluster, which encompasses Nigeria as the primary focus country along with Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger as outreach countries, the assessment highlighted that the livestock sector employs 80 per cent of the population.

The assessment, he noted, indicated that while information regarding diseases is frequently gathered, it often suffers from issues related to accuracy and timeliness.

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Additionally, the assessment, he  added, highlighted that agricultural and livestock censuses  carried out across the country  seldom provide a comprehensive overview of pastoral production systems.

The study, he continued, pointed out that the continent faces significant challenges in data collection, primarily due to the irregular and infrequent collection of livestock data by national governments.

The issue, he maintained, is further exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy, and limited mobile network coverage, which impede access to real-time data.

Furthermore, he said the study identified considerable gaps in data concerning mobility patterns, disease surveillance, livestock populations, key stakeholders, cross-border trade, and the environmental effects on rangeland management.

He said entities such as AU-IBAR (ARIS), AAGRIS, LD4D, and aLIVE are being organised to support national platforms on the exchange of animal resource data. The effort, he  noted,  is intended to improve policymaking and oversee genetic livestock data, linking stakeholders to foster sustainable development in the livestock sector.

In her opening remark, the Director of AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih said the importance of the pastoral sector cannot be overstated.

She said: “Across the continent, millions of livelihoods depend on pastoralism, a sector that contributes significantly to national economies, regional trade, and food security. Yet, this sector faces persistent challenges, including limited access to formal markets, inadequate value addition, and insufficient integration of pastoral communities into broader economic frameworks. Climate change further exacerbates these vulnerabilities, necessitating a more coordinated, resilient, and innovative response.”

Against this backdrop, she emphasised that the APMD Platform has emerged as a transformative initiative, founded on three strategic pillars: fortifying the enabling policy environment, improving the integration of the pastoral private sector into livestock marketing, and developing functional data ecosystems. She remarked, “Supporting these pillars are cross-cutting themes that emphasize gender inclusivity, food and nutrition security, and climate resilience, ensuring that no individual is overlooked in this transformative process. Kenya and Nigeria, identified as our Lighthouse Countries, illustrate the significant potential of the pastoral sector to drive economic growth and foster regional integration. As centers of excellence, these nations will lead the way in innovative solutions and disseminate valuable insights to neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions, referred to as the Strategic Outreach Countries, thereby enhancing the implementation and impact of the APMD Platform at the regional level.”

The Chief Executive, SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye, has proposed the adoption of agrivoltaics as a means to enhance livestock production. The initiative seeks to support farmers in ranches and pastoral areas that struggle with inadequate power supply. Agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy production with agricultural practices, is gaining traction in livestock management, enabling farmers to develop a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable farming framework.

He reacted to the research conducted by West Virginia University researchers in the United States, which highlighted the benefits of solar panels for small cattle farms. The findings suggested that the implementation of solar panels could increase the profitability of cattle grazing lands.

He remarked that technologies like agrivoltaics would play a crucial role in diversifying income streams for farms.

Additionally, he pointed out that the notion of adopting new and sustainable technologies may resonate with younger generations, as it opens up avenues for them to pursue careers in agriculture.

He underscored the importance of government collaboration with private sector entities to explore the potential benefits of agrivoltaic systems and assess their deployment in the Northern states, assisting livestock farmers in managing the escalating costs of feed and the current grass shortage to enhance agricultural productivity.

According to him, a groundbreaking solar-grazing project is contributing to the advancement of green energy and agriculture in Jilin village, China. The sustainable “solar-grazing” farm, operated by China Three Gorges Corporation at the Fuxian Photovoltaic Power Station,he  maintained departs from traditional solar farms by combining raised solar panel installations with animal shelters.

He explained that this design maximizes sunlight collection while allowing for extensive grazing areas underneath. The previously unproductive soil in Fuxian, he noted, has transformed into vibrant pastures that support the livestock industry and improve the ecological integrity of the land.

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At the University of Tasmania (UTAS), he continued that researchers investigated the potential advantages of agrivoltaic systems across three countries, concluding that these systems can significantly enhance agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

According to him, the findings indicate that UTAS researchers have identified agrivoltaic technology as particularly beneficial for improving agricultural output in these challenging environments.

The study conducted by the UTAS School of Engineering and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA),he pointed out, explored the impact of solar panel sunlight interception on various factors, including soil moisture, drought resilience, electricity generation, and agrifood production in Australia, Iran, and Chad. He emphasised that the research advocates for policymakers to promote the deployment of agrivoltaic systems in arid regions by encouraging both public and private investment. The research paper titled “Agrivoltaics as an SDG Enabler: Trade-Offs and Co-Benefits for Food Security, Energy Generation and Emission Mitigation” delves into the potential of agrivoltaics as a viable approach to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).