The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and youths as central drivers of a sustainable, innovative and competitive livestock sector, as Nigeria looks to strengthen food security, job creation and agribusiness growth for small businesses.
The Director (Technical) in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Peter Alike, made this known at a capacity-building workshop for women and youths in the livestock value chain held in Abuja between December 29 and 30, 2025. He said building practical skills across the livestock value chain, from feed production and animal husbandry to processing and marketing, is critical to unlocking the sector’s economic potential for small and medium-sized enterprises.
According to him, the programme is designed as a continuous, hands-on initiative that goes beyond theory to focus on practical skills, mindset change and innovation required to build sustainable livestock businesses. He noted that women and youths remain a priority under the ten pillars of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the ministry’s flagship framework aimed at repositioning livestock as a major source of employment, income and national economic growth.
Experts at the workshop emphasised the importance of climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision nutrition and climate-smart housing as essential tools for improving productivity and profitability for small livestock businesses. Participants were also exposed to modern feed technologies, biogas production and extension services, with a strong focus on cost efficiency and sustainability.
The program ended with a study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, where participants gained firsthand insights into managing efficient, scalable and environmentally sustainable livestock enterprises.
