Kwara farmers laud World Bank, L-PRES capacity training on fodder production
In a bid to enhance livestock productivity and promote sustainable farming practices, the Kwara State Government, in partnership with the World Bank and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano, has successfully trained 100 crop and livestock farmers in commercial fodder production and value chain addition.
The five-day capacity-building workshop, organized under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) in Ilorin, focused on reducing feed costs, minimizing waste, and increasing farmers’ economic independence.
One of the beneficiaries, Ajala Khadija Idowu, a female smallholder farmer, emphasized the workshop’s impact, stating that she learned how to convert farm residues such as maize and sorghum stalks into high-quality animal feed. This technique is expected to enhance livestock productivity while lowering expenses.
The training also introduced participants to various fodder processing equipment such as choppers, crushers, and cutters, alongside silage production methods to improve feed digestibility and nutritional value. Moreover, the initiative aims to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers by promoting fodder cultivation as an alternative to open grazing.
Another participant, Prince Olubunmi Isioye, praised the initiative, describing it as a sustainable solution that promotes self-reliance among farmers. He noted that rather than seeking quick financial gains, farmers can now invest in productive ventures that ensure long-term profitability.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The introduction of commercial fodder production in Kwara State marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector. For agri-food stakeholders, the benefits of this initiative extend beyond individual farmer gains—it is a strategic intervention that addresses feed scarcity, enhances livestock nutrition, and mitigates land use conflicts.
- Addressing Nigeria’s Feed Deficit & Reducing Production Costs
One of the biggest challenges in the livestock industry is the high cost of animal feed, which can account for 60-70% of production expenses. The promotion of farm waste utilization and silage production provides cost-effective alternatives to commercial feeds, thereby boosting profitability for smallholder farmers. - Enhancing Sustainable Livestock Farming
– Utilizing crop residues such as maize stalks and sorghum straws reduces waste and enhances circular agriculture, leading to eco-friendly and cost-efficient feed production.
– Silage production improves livestock nutrition, increasing milk yield and meat quality, making Nigerian dairy and meat products more competitive.
– Fodder cultivation as an alternative to grazing helps prevent land degradation and deforestation, supporting sustainable land use practices. - Reducing Farmer-Herder Conflicts & Improving Food Security
Conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists have been a major challenge in Nigeria, often resulting from grazing on farmlands. By encouraging farmers to grow their own fodder, this initiative reduces reliance on open grazing, fostering peaceful co-existence and food security. - Creating New Agribusiness Opportunities
The fodder production value chain presents new business opportunities for agripreneurs, including:
Commercial fodder farming—growing and selling fodder as an agribusiness.
Feed processing and supply—using equipment like choppers and crushers to produce and sell high-quality feed.
Organic fertilizer production—utilizing farm waste for compost making.
Job creation—new employment opportunities in fodder processing, marketing, and distribution.
The Way Forward
The success of this initiative depends on sustained government support, access to financing, and continuous training programs. Agribusiness investors, cooperatives, and financial institutions should explore ways to scale up commercial fodder production through investment in feed mills, research in drought-resistant fodder crops, and expansion of extension services.
By harnessing local resources and innovative feed solutions, Nigeria’s livestock sector can become more productive, resilient, and globally competitive.
