Nigeria, Uganda Plot New Era for Livestock Development

"Nigeria is willing to learn from Uganda’s livestock production systems and adapt successful models to local realities in order to boost productivity and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers." Idi Mukhtar Maiha 

.... Says "A major area of interest is Uganda’s household ranching model, under which families keep manageable numbers of livestock around their homes.

"Nigerian livestock stakeholders were already sourcing cattle genetics and fodder from Uganda, stressing the need for a structured and legally regulated framework to facilitate such exchanges." Awunor

.... Says "Uganda’s household ranching system could provide useful lessons for Nigeria, particularly in addressing some of the challenges associated with open grazing."

The Federal Government is set to deepen collaboration with Uganda on livestock development, with focus on improved animal genetics, fodder production, crossbreeding, household ranching, technology transfer and livestock trade.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation of the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, led by its President, Chief Michael Awunor.

Maiha said Nigeria was willing to learn from Uganda’s livestock production systems and adapt successful models to local realities in order to boost productivity and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

A major area of interest is Uganda’s household ranching model, under which families keep manageable numbers of livestock around their homes.

Awunor said Nigerian livestock stakeholders were already sourcing cattle genetics and fodder from Uganda, stressing the need for a structured and legally regulated framework to facilitate such exchanges.

He said Uganda’s household ranching system could provide useful lessons for Nigeria, particularly in addressing some of the challenges associated with open grazing.

Responding, Maiha said many Nigerian households already kept cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock but lacked access to improved breeds, quality feed, veterinary services, water and modern management practices.

He said modernising household livestock production would enable families to keep fewer but more productive animals, while improving access to feed, water and animal healthcare.

According to him, such a model could increase household income, strengthen food security and improve nutrition.

The minister directed officials of his ministry to study Uganda’s experience, particularly its approaches to animal feeding, animal health, water provision, extension services, marketing and the involvement of rural households, women and youths.

Maiha also called for cooperation on affordable agricultural and livestock machinery, noting that sophisticated equipment was often too expensive and difficult for smallholder farmers to acquire and maintain.

He said Nigeria could benefit from partnerships with other African countries to develop simple technologies suited to the needs of smallholder livestock producers.

On genetics, the minister expressed interest in Uganda’s efforts to conserve and improve indigenous breeds of cattle, goats, poultry and pigs.

He called for further technical discussions on the possible exchange of genetic materials, subject to veterinary and regulatory requirements, noting that improved genetics could significantly increase meat and milk production in Nigeria.

Maiha similarly directed officials to explore opportunities for cooperation with Uganda in fodder production, describing increased feed production as critical to the modernisation of the livestock industry.

The minister said the proposed partnership with the Nigeria-Uganda Chamber would cover livestock trade, genetics, fodder production, household ranching, technology transfer and knowledge exchange.

He also welcomed plans for engagement with the Ugandan High Commission, directing that a meeting with the High Commissioner be facilitated to develop concrete areas of bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, Awunor said the Chamber was working to strengthen trade relations between Nigeria and Uganda, adding that efforts were underway towards a bilateral trade agreement between both countries.

He also disclosed plans for exchange programmes involving Nigerian and Ugandan women engaged in livestock production.

The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to sustain discussions on livestock development as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria-Uganda relations and accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.