Bauchi Hosts Conference on Expanding Nigeria's Sheep and Goat Industry

News in Brief:

—Nigeria's sheep and goat association is encouraging youths to venture into the profitable industry as it holds potential for wealth creation, employment and economic diversification.

—Stakeholders called for greater investment in breeding, financing, modern livestock systems and value chain development to unlock the sector's full potential and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.

The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN) has called on young Nigerians to embrace sheep and goat farming as a modern agribusiness capable of creating wealth, generating employment and strengthening Nigeria's food security and economic diversification efforts.

The appeal was made during the association's annual conference in Bauchi, where industry stakeholders highlighted the enormous but underutilised potential of the country's small ruminant sector.

Livestock Farming Offers Business Opportunities

Speaking at the conference, themed Small Ruminants for National Prosperity: Advancing Sheep and Goat Development for Food Security, Job Creation and Economic Diversification, the association's National President, Abdullateef Ahmed, encouraged youths and workers not to postpone investments in agriculture until retirement.

He described sheep and goat farming as one of Nigeria's most accessible and profitable agricultural enterprises, capable of providing sustainable income, employment opportunities, improved nutrition and economic resilience for millions of households.

Ahmed encouraged young people to view livestock production as a commercially viable business rather than a traditional occupation.

Sector Faces Multiple Challenges

Despite its potential, Ahmed identified several obstacles limiting the growth of the sheep and goat industry.

According to him, disease outbreaks, inadequate breeding programmes, poor market access, limited financing, insecurity and weak value chain development continue to constrain productivity and investment across the sector.

He reaffirmed NASHGODAN's commitment to supporting livestock farmers through training, mentorship programmes and market linkages designed to strengthen the industry and improve business opportunities.

Support for Livestock Ministry

Ahmed commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the ministry as a significant milestone for Nigeria's livestock industry.

He said the creation of the ministry had renewed hope among millions of sheep and goat farmers by providing a dedicated institutional framework for livestock development.

The association also pledged to collaborate with governments, development partners, financial institutions, research organisations and private investors to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria's small ruminant value chain.

Bauchi Expands Livestock Development

Representing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed at the conference, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Bala Lukshi, described sheep and goat production as a critical component of Nigeria's livestock economy.

He announced that the Bauchi State Government had approved the conversion of an existing sheep and goat facility into a Small Ruminant Development Centre to improve livestock breeding and supply quality breeding stock to farmers within and outside the state.

According to Lukshi, the centre is expected to enhance genetic improvement programmes and strengthen livestock productivity nationwide.

Modern Livestock Systems Recommended

Lukshi also advocated the adoption of modern livestock production systems, including ranching and improved pasture development, as practical solutions to Nigeria's recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

Drawing from experiences shared during an international livestock symposium in China, he explained that improved pasture management enables farmers to raise larger numbers of animals on smaller parcels of land, reducing dependence on open grazing and seasonal migration.

He stressed that with increasing population growth and shrinking grazing areas, livestock producers must embrace modern production technologies capable of improving productivity while promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Call for Greater Collaboration

NASHGODAN further urged stronger collaboration between livestock development projects operating across participating states, noting that Bauchi should benefit from interventions already implemented in states such as Ekiti, Kaduna and Adamawa.

The association also encouraged its members nationwide to remain united in efforts to position Nigeria as a leading producer and exporter of high-quality sheep and goat products while contributing to food security, employment creation and national economic growth.