How Nigeria can explore rangelands’ fodder potential
“In Nigeria, the livestock sector faces challenges like feed scarcity and climate impacts. Initiatives like RAFFS aim to enhance feed affordability and availability through rangeland use. NAPRI leads research on fodder production to bolster resilience and productivity. Government efforts focus on training, technology, and policy to support sustainable livestock farming and food security. Source: Business Day
Our Review
Nigeria’s livestock sector faces challenges like farmer-herder conflicts, climate change impacts, and low technological adoption, leading to high feed prices and reduced profitability. To address these issues, the federal government and private sector are exploring solutions, including the utilization of rangelands for fodder production. Institutes like NAPRI are pivotal in researching rangeland’s potential to stabilize fodder supply and ensure affordability for livestock producers. Stakeholders emphasized the need for innovations that enhance productivity, sustainability, and market access for small farmers, advocating for technological transfer, training, and improved husbandry practices. NAPRI’s initiatives in fodder seed cultivation aim to mitigate scarcity, support livelihoods, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, particularly in Northern regions facing severe droughts. Winnie Lai-Solarin from the Ministry of Agriculture underscores the sector’s significance for food security, promoting government efforts in training, capacity-building, and research to modernize livestock management and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
