Sheep, Goat Development Association Seeks Demonstration Farms in Six Geopolitical Zones

News in Brief:

— Nigeria's sheep and goat development association has called on the government to establish demonstration farms in all six geopolitical zones to boost production and farmer incomes.

— The association's president, Abdullateef Ahmed, claims that the centres would also serve as training and treatment hubs to help curb PPR and other diseases threatening the livestock population.

The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN) has advised the Federal Government to build demonstration farms in all six geopolitical zones. It says the centres will raise livestock production, increase farmers' incomes and help curb some of the deadliest diseases affecting sheep and goats in the country.

The National President of NASHGODAN, Abdullateef Ahmed, appealed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said the planned centres would double as learning hubs where farmers, students and investors can see modern, efficient and sustainable animal-rearing methods in action.

Training Hubs For Farmers and Investors

According to Ahmed, the demonstration farms would drive knowledge transfer through hands-on training in improved breeding, animal health and feeding practices, giving farmers practical skills they can apply on their own land.

"The centres will boost production by showcasing methods to increase output to farmers and demonstrate profitable agribusiness models to reduce poverty and improve food security. They will also serve as training centres to empower youth and women farmers, as well as provide routine vaccination and treatment of sick animals when necessary," he said.

He added that the farms would help tackle Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague, and other transboundary and zoonotic diseases that continue to wipe out herds across the country, particularly in rural communities where veterinary services are scarce.

Farmers Central To Disease Control

Ahmed identified farmers and livestock producers as key partners in protecting the country from PPR and similar diseases. He said involving them more directly in government programmes and policies would strengthen disease surveillance and control efforts nationwide.

"It will ensure the slaughtering of healthy animals for sale and consumption rather than diseased animals, to the detriment of human health. If demonstration farms are established, farmers can take their sick animals to the centres for treatment, and this will be of immense value to farmers and consumers," he said.

The association listed disease outbreaks, inadequate breeding programmes, poor market access, limited financing, insecurity and weak value-chain development as the major problems holding back sheep and goat farming in Nigeria. He said these challenges have kept many smallholder farmers from scaling up their operations despite steady demand for small ruminants across the country.

Untapped Billions in Small Ruminants

Beyond disease and production concerns, Ahmed said the sheep and goat value chain holds enormous economic opportunities that remain largely untapped, despite the sector's contribution to food security and rural livelihoods.

He urged young Nigerians to see sheep and goat farming as a modern agribusiness rather than just a traditional occupation, saying the sector could generate wealth, create jobs, reduce poverty and support national development if properly harnessed.

"The industry is one of the most accessible and profitable agricultural enterprises for rural households, women, youths and retirees. It provides income, employment, nutrition and economic resilience for millions of Nigerians," he said.

NASHGODAN is the umbrella body for sheep and goat farmer associations across Nigeria. It has consistently pushed for stronger government support for the sub-sector, including access to finance, better breeding stock and closer collaboration between farmers and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which oversees national livestock policy.