Stakeholders in Nigeria’s pastoral farming sector have raised concerns over the lack of quality animal feed, calling for a more efficient logistics system to support livestock farmers nationwide.
These issues were discussed during a workshop organized by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) on technical planning and implementation of the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) platform, held in Abuja.
“Livestock farming is vital to Nigeria’s economy, yet farmers face ongoing challenges, from limited access to quality animal feed to long distances between production and consumption areas,” the stakeholders noted, listing other constraints such as inadequate insurance, limited storage facilities, and insufficient infrastructure for livestock transport.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for better logistics to reduce transportation costs, improve industry efficiency, and ensure the welfare of livestock during transit.
The workshop drew participants from Nigeria and neighboring countries, including the Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Cameroon, who underscored the importance of safeguarding animal welfare in long-haul journeys between northern Nigeria and southern markets, which span thousands of kilometers.
The attendees called for government and industry investment in essential infrastructure, such as feedlots, cattle yards, abattoirs, and biosecurity measures. They also urged for improved roads, bridges, and storage facilities to strengthen the northern pastoral sector’s resilience and support its growth.
In addition, stakeholders advocated for a comprehensive database system to monitor animal health, breeding cycles, and productivity.
They appealed to AU-IBAR to collaborate with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and related agencies, aiming for better tracking capabilities to help farmers make informed decisions. For cross-border trade, they urged Sahel-region authorities to streamline border procedures and enhance health standards in slaughterhouses.
Dr. Huyam Salih, AU-IBAR Director, represented by APMD Platform Project Coordinator Ahmed Elbeltagy, introduced the APMD platform as a critical support system for pastoralists.
“The launch of the APMD platform marks a crucial moment to tackle existing challenges,” she stated, adding that the initiative seeks to empower pastoral communities and promote sustainable growth.
Supported by both private sector partners and government agencies, the platform aims to improve pastoral farmers’ access to markets, enhancing livestock farming as a viable income source across Nigeria and the Sahel.
In his opening address, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, stressed the need for an efficient production process, noting that cattle farming is a major contributor to the agricultural sector’s GDP.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale farmers through technology and initiatives to increase national cattle stock, making resilient and productive agropastoral systems a priority.
The APMD platform, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is positioned to drive market-driven changes in pastoralism and promote inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa.
However, the initiative will strategically support market-focused interventions, enabling pastoral communities to integrate more fully into livestock markets and enhance the sector’s visibility and impact across the continent.