Women, youths take centre stage in livestock sector growth drive

A renewed push to place women and young people at the heart of Nigeria’s livestock transformation took centre stage as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reiterated its commitment to building a sustainable, innovative and competitive industry.

Source: authorityngr

The message was delivered at a capacity-building workshop for women and youths in the livestock value chain in Abuja, where the Director Technical in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Peter Alike, stressed that empowering these groups is key to reshaping the sector and unlocking its vast economic potential. He explained that meaningful progress depends on embedding sustainability and innovation across every link of the value chain, from feed production and animal care to processing and marketing.

He noted that the ministry’s focus on women and youths is deliberate, describing them as vital drivers of food security, employment and long-term national growth. He added that the programme was designed as a continuous and practical initiative, equipping participants with hands-on skills that can be applied directly to their farms and enterprises, while encouraging the right mindset for lasting success.

The training, according to Dr. Alike, goes beyond theory by emphasising real-world solutions, competence development and sustainable practices that can withstand future challenges. He further explained that this strategic focus informed the inclusion of women and youths as a priority group under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, the ministry’s flagship reform framework.

Animal scientist Ifeanyi Harry Njoagwuani described sustainability as an ongoing process rooted in science and effective management, highlighting climate-resilient breeds, improved genetics, precision feeding and climate-smart housing as key pathways to boosting productivity while protecting the environment.

During a session on biogas and sustainable livestock development, Ayoade Akande highlighted the need for stronger extension services, increased private sector participation and policies that support innovation, research and improved forage systems.

Closing the workshop, the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, Joseph Ako Eleojo, urged participants to form cooperative networks and serve as advocates for change within their communities, noting that women and youths were deliberately targeted because of their capacity to drive innovation, productivity and sustainability.

A study visit to De-Dre Solution Poultry Farm in Kuje Area Council rounded off the two-day programme, offering participants practical insights into modern poultry operations. With a capacity of nearly 25,000 birds and daily production of about 650 crates of eggs, the farm provided a real-life example of efficient and sustainable livestock management, with participants drawn from poultry and ruminant enterprises across several states.