Women, Youth Central to IITA–Livestock Ministry Talks

News in Brief:

-IITA and Nigeria's Livestock Ministry hold a high-level meeting to discuss collaboration opportunities.

-Talks centred on empowering women and youth, improving feed and fodder systems, and advancing the One Health initiative.

The Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Simeon Ehui, recently led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, where they were warmly received by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, alongside directors of the ministry.

During the visit, both institutions explored strategic partnerships aimed at advancing the roles of women and youth in the livestock sector, improving feed and fodder production, and promoting the One Health initiative. This approach recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The collaboration reflects the growing effort by Nigeria’s livestock stakeholders to transform the sector into a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable system, in line with national goals for food security and rural development.

Experts believe that these partnerships could help address challenges such as poor access to quality feed, low youth participation in livestock farming, and limited awareness of animal health practices that align with environmental safety.