FG Trains Women, Youths to Strengthen Feed, Fodder Value Chain

News in brief:

-FG has commenced a targeted training programme for women and youths in feed and fodder production to address livestock nutrition gaps.

-The initiative aims to reduce production costs, improve productivity, and support long-term livestock sector growth.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development commenced a specialised training programme for women and youths in the feed and fodder value chain in Abuja, aimed at addressing critical livestock nutrition gaps and boosting productivity across the sector.

The training is designed to equip participants with hands-on skills in feed formulation, strategic ingredient utilisation, operation of feed mill machinery, production of monogastric animal feed, hay bale production using local technology, biosecurity measures, and feed mill insurance.

According to the Ministry, the programme positions participants as pioneers in a new phase of sustainable livestock development, with an emphasis on practical, market-oriented competencies.

Reducing Production Costs Through Improved Feeding

Declaring the training open on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Director (Technical), Dr Alike Peters, described the initiative as a shift from routine capacity-building to a results-driven intervention focused on measurable outcomes.

He noted that feed accounts for over 70 per cent of livestock production costs and remains a major determinant of productivity, competitiveness, and conflict over grazing resources nationwide.

Unlocking Productivity and Economic Growth

Dr Peters stressed that improved nutrition is essential to unlocking the genetic potential of livestock, increasing output in eggs, milk, and meat, and achieving the national target of doubling the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy to an estimated $74 billion.

He explained that the training adopts a data-driven and evidence-based approach, with participants profiled to ensure learning is tailored to their specific interests within the value chain.

Focus on Women and Youth Participation

Highlighting the strategic importance of women and youths, Dr Peters commended the strong gender balance and youth representation at the programme, noting that the sustainability of the Ministry’s 10-year livestock strategic plan depends significantly on these groups.

He assured participants that the initiative would extend beyond classroom instruction and feed into a structured national skills and certification framework, supported by proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.