The Edo State Government has launched an initiative to modernize its livestock production sector, aiming to improve food security and create employment opportunities. According to Hon. Roland Igbadumhe, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Livestock Development, the state is using agricultural diplomacy to connect with global expertise, technology, and investment opportunities. This effort seeks to move livestock production beyond traditional practices and position it as a commercially viable component of the state's economy.
Igbadumhe represented the state at the 35th annual Sommet de l’Élevage (Livestock Summit) in Clermont-Ferrand, France, where he engaged with international agricultural investors and discussed potential partnerships. The summit, which took place from October 6, attracted over 1,700 exhibitors and 110,000 agricultural professionals, policymakers, and investors. Edo's participation was part of the Okpebholo administration's strategy to expand agricultural productivity, improve food availability, and create employment through a more structured and commercially oriented livestock sector.
During the summit, the Edo State delegation held technical discussions with French livestock breeding experts, sustainable feed producers, and manufacturers of modern processing equipment. These discussions aimed to identify technologies and partnerships that could be adapted to local conditions in Edo State. The delegation also presented some of the state government's livestock initiatives, including plans for dedicated grazing reserves, capacity-building programs for farmers, and public-private partnership opportunities across poultry, pig, and ruminant production.
The Edo State Government is particularly interested in production systems that can improve yields, reduce environmental pressures, and make livestock farming more profitable for producers. This move aligns with the broader efforts of governments across Nigeria to expand domestic food production and strengthen agricultural value chains amid rising food costs and growing demand for locally produced meat and other animal products.
For Edo State, the administration aims to position livestock production not only as a means of improving food supply but also as an avenue for rural employment, private-sector investment, and economic diversification. The relationships established and investment opportunities identified at the summit will be incorporated into the state's livestock development plans. The government expects this initiative to contribute to food security, create employment in rural communities, and diversify the Edo State economy.
The Sommet de l’Élevage is a major international livestock trade event in Europe, bringing together livestock producers, breeders, agricultural technology companies, investors, and policymakers to exchange ideas and showcase innovations in animal production. Igbadumhe expressed optimism that the initiative would generate broader economic benefits across the livestock value chain, particularly for farmers and rural communities.
The Edo State Government's efforts to modernize its livestock production sector reflect a broader strategy to drive economic growth and improve food security in the state. By leveraging international partnerships and technology, the state aims to create a more commercially viable and sustainable livestock sector that can contribute to the state's economic development and provide opportunities for rural communities.
Key points
- The Edo State Government seeks to modernize its livestock production sector through international partnerships and technology to improve food security and create jobs.
- The state aims to position livestock production as a commercially viable component of its economy and an avenue for rural employment and economic diversification.
- The initiative is expected to generate broader economic benefits across the livestock value chain, particularly for farmers and rural communities.
