Nigeria Targets Climate-Smart Livestock Feeding to Cut Emissions, Boost Productivity
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Idi Mukhtar Maiha |
"This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground.' Maiha.
.... Nigeria has the land, political will, and partnerships to drive transformation in the livestock sector while addressing climate change, security challenges, and food systems disruption."
The commitment of the Federal Government to climate-smart livestock production, with a strong focus on improved feed and fodder systems as a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing productivity, was on Monday in Abuja, reaffirmed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha made this known during a meeting with the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project Team, where discussions centred on the link between ruminant feeding systems, methane emissions, and climate change.
According to a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the FMLD, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, the Minister noted that "emissions from ruminants are largely influenced by fermentation processes associated with high-fibre feeds, and stressed the need to transition to more protein-rich and climate-resilient feed options."
Thr Minister stated that, “Feed and fodder is our number one priority. If animals are fed properly and kept healthy, even our indigenous breeds can perform optimally. Nomadism today is not about culture; it is a survival mechanism driven by scarcity. If we provide abundance where people are, movement will reduce.”
He announced plans to activate large-scale fodder production across the country, supported by solar-powered irrigation, micro earth dams, and basic amenities within designated grazing reserves. According to him, six pilot states—Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory—have been identified for the establishment of national communal ranches, with land allocation expected ahead of the next rainy season.
“This is no longer about theory. It is time for boots on the ground,” the Minister said, adding that Nigeria has the land, political will, and partnerships to drive transformation in the livestock sector while addressing climate change, security challenges, and food systems disruption.
Speaking on behalf of the ILRI–GATES Livestock Feed and Nutrition Project, Programme Leader, Dr. Anu Frank-Lawale, commended the Minister’s clarity of vision and pledged full support. “What you have outlined aligns directly with the core components of this project,” he said.
Dr. Frank-Lawale explained that the project comprises four key components, including the use of crop residues, fermented protein feeds as alternatives to conventional protein sources, climate-resilient forages, and mycotoxin assessment in animal feeds across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
“Our goal is to increase milk production, create jobs, improve profitability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, this will enhance food security, livelihoods, and climate efficiency,” he noted.
ILRI Country Representative, Dr. Tunde Amole, further explained that the project prioritises deploying tested solutions rather than theoretical research, with plans to introduce proven forage cultivars suitable for the Sahel and scale them rapidly once validated.
"Methane emissions are not simply an animal issue, they are a feed issue,” he noted, adding that the project will focus on practical solutions, climate-resilient forages, alternative protein sources, safe feeds, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
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