Livestock Ministry, Leventis Explore Youth Agribusiness Training Partnership

News in brief:

-Nigeria's livestock ministry and Leventis Foundation are exploring collaboration on youth training in agriculture.

-The partnership aims to improve livestock productivity and expand opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) and Leventis Foundation Nigeria have commenced discussions on a potential partnership to strengthen youth capacity development in agriculture and improve livestock productivity across Nigeria.

The meeting took place in Abuja between the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and the leadership of the Foundation.

Government Seeks to Unlock Livestock Opportunities

Maiha commended the Foundation for its longstanding contribution to agricultural training and reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s livestock sector.

He highlighted multiple opportunities across the livestock value chain, including feed and fodder production, poultry, dairy, cattle, sheep and goat farming, apiculture, as well as marketing, storage and transportation.

“The livestock sector offers vast opportunities from production to value addition. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for partnerships that will unlock these opportunities,” the minister said.

Emphasis on End-to-End Training

The minister stressed the need for comprehensive training that goes beyond production to include market access, veterinary care and proper farm management.

He noted that equipping youths with holistic skills is critical to ensuring sustainability and preventing losses in livestock enterprises.

Maiha also underscored the importance of expanding such programmes in vulnerable regions, particularly in the North-East, where agriculture can serve as a pathway to economic recovery and social stability following insurgency.

Leventis Foundation Highlights Training Impact

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Hope Usieta, outlined its 36-year track record in youth agribusiness training.

He explained that the Foundation operates six training centres across Nigeria, each admitting about 150 trainees annually for intensive programmes covering livestock production, crop cultivation, agroforestry and enterprise development.

According to him, the initiative has produced thousands of graduates who are actively engaged in agribusiness, supported through microcredit schemes and a national alumni network.

Opportunities for Expanded Collaboration

Usieta noted that the Foundation operates a cost-sharing model with state governments to support the establishment and operation of training schools.

He added that the engagement with the ministry was aimed at exploring collaboration in key areas such as ruminant production, fodder development and overall livestock value chain growth.

The meeting also examined strategies to expand youth participation in agriculture, improve productivity and strengthen agribusiness ecosystems nationwide.