The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has initiated a program to enhance the productivity of small-ruminant farmers in Kano State. The project, which concluded on September 19, 2026, involved training 200 farmers from Fagge, Tarauni, and Gwale Local Government Areas. The training covered improved practices in animal feeding, breeding, healthcare, and general husbandry. This initiative aims to reduce production losses and increase returns from sheep and goat farming.
The economic importance of small ruminants to rural households was highlighted, as they require relatively modest capital to raise and provide households with meat, milk, skins, and other products. Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, emphasized that increasing livestock output requires farmers to have both productive assets and technical capacity to manage them efficiently. She noted that simply providing animals without equipping farmers with necessary knowledge could limit economic returns.
The training was designed to help farmers improve animal health and productivity, reduce losses, and generate better income from their livestock enterprises. Akujobi described the sheep and goat subsector as crucial to Nigeria's livestock economy due to its low entry barrier and ability to provide regular sources of food and income. She also highlighted the short reproductive cycles of small ruminants, enabling farmers to build livestock assets quickly with proper management practices.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development views the development of the subsector as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic food production, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people. Beyond training, the 200 beneficiaries received sheep and goats, animal feed, and stipends to apply the lessons. This combination of productive assets and technical training aims to help beneficiaries expand their livestock activities.
Kano is one of Nigeria's major agricultural states, and improved small-ruminant production could increase the supply of animals for meat and other livestock products. This could create additional income-generating activities around animal feed, veterinary services, trading, and processing. The initiative is expected to have implications beyond individual farmers, contributing to the state's agricultural sector.
Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim Waya, Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, expressed support for the initiative. She stated that the state government would pursue similar programs to enhance small-ruminant production and improve household incomes. The collaboration between the federal and state governments aims to maximize the impact of the initiative.
The program's success will depend on the effective implementation of the training and support provided to the beneficiaries. With proper management and follow-up, the initiative could serve as a model for similar programs in other parts of the country. The development of the small-ruminant subsector has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria's agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of rural households.
Key points
- The federal government has trained 200 Kano farmers to improve small-ruminant productivity and provide household income boost.
- The initiative aims to reduce production losses and increase returns from sheep and goat farming in Kano State.
- The program's impact could extend beyond individual farmers, contributing to increased meat supply and additional income-generating activities in the state.
