Kwara Launches Livestock Business Scheme to Support Youth and Women

The Kwara State Government has introduced a plan to commercialise the livestock sector through a new programme known as the Kwara State Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, KWALES.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the scheme is designed to support youth and women to build sustainable livestock businesses. She said participants will receive practical training, mentorship and access to funding to help them become employers.

According to her, the programme will focus on modern, climate-smart farming and value chain development to improve food production and support economic growth. She added that it will also strengthen the capacity of producer groups, especially among women and young people.

Mrs. Thomas said the scheme will run under two main areas: Women in Livestock and Youth in Livestock. She added that it will start with three activities—Black Soldier Fly production, beekeeping for honey, and small ruminant farming.

She said the state has secured agreements with buyers who will purchase up to 400,000 goats and sheep daily, as well as another buyer for 100 pigs each day. She also said the government is working with FCMB and Jaiz Bank to provide single-digit loans to participants.

A representative of the AdunGreen Foundation, Mr. Olaribigbe Tajudeen, described the programme as a practical approach to youth-driven livestock development. He said the foundation will promote Black Soldier Fly production to turn organic waste into protein-rich animal feed, reduce feed costs and support local feed supply