Kwara Livestock Project Reaches 5,821 Farmers

No fewer than 5,821 farmers have benefited from the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, LPRES, project. The beneficiaries include 4,112 men and 1,709 women, reflecting efforts to include women in livestock development activities.

Source: thenationonlineng

A Strategic Communication and Development Consultant, Aishat Onusi, who analysed the project’s impact, said Kwara LPRES is the highest-rated programme among 20 participating states. In a statement, she linked the ranking to steady delivery, wide farmer reach and strong governance structures, noting that it followed an independent assessment by the National Coordination Office in collaboration with the World Bank using standardised indicators.

According to her, the assessment covered institutional coordination, financial management, safeguards compliance, security management, reporting efficiency and delivery of results. She also linked the outcome to sustained political support under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, including timely counterpart funding and policy continuity.

Onusi said 1,509 farmers took part in structured training programmes, 586 received extension services, while 367 were trained through Farmer Field Schools in animal husbandry practices. She added that 2,905 farmers received input support aimed at improving productivity and advancing commercialisation objectives.

She said 475 federal and state personnel, including extension agents and technical staff, were trained to strengthen livestock development systems. On animal health, she said 87,928 animals were vaccinated against anthrax, including 75,899 cattle and 12,029 goats and sheep.

She added that six slaughter slabs were rehabilitated to climate-smart standards, while 24 livestock-related facilities were rehabilitated or constructed across the state. These include livestock markets, cold chain facilities, laboratories, Farmer Field Schools, ruminant cluster facilities and three solar-powered automatic weather stations.

Onusi said 84 water points were constructed along grazing areas and stock routes, including 62 solar-powered boreholes and 22 hand-pump boreholes. She added that 264 kilometres of stock routes were identified and mapped for protection from encroachment.

The State Project Coordinator, Olusoji Oyawoye, attributed the achievement to teamwork and consistency, saying the ranking positions Kwara as a reference point for effective implementation of World Bank-supported projects nationwide.