The Federal Government has pledged to support farmers with disabilities across Nigeria through targeted programmes designed to strengthen the livestock sector and promote inclusive agricultural development.
This was made known in a statement by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon and made available to Agronigeria on Wednesday.
The commitment was announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a meeting with the Association of Farmers with Disabilities in Nigeria (AFDiN), led by its President, James Lalu, in Abuj.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister stressed that agriculture remains central to food security, job creation and national stability, noting that persons with disabilities have a crucial role to play across the livestock value chain.
He explained that members of the association would benefit from training in areas such as animal husbandry, veterinary support services and community-based livestock management, adding that the Ministry is widening opportunities for inclusive participation in the sector.
Maiha further disclosed that the Ministry’s programme targeting 1,000 youths and women in every state of the federation, including the FCT, would deliberately accommodate farmers with disabilities.
“We will ensure inclusion when selecting beneficiaries. Farmers with disabilities must be part of this process,” he said.
The Minister also commended the association for its contributions to agronomic activities and assured members of continued support through capacity building initiatives and the provision of livestock to improve productivity.
In his remarks, Lalu stated that many members of the association are actively involved in poultry, sheep and goat farming, among other areas within the livestock value chain.
He appealed to the government to provide targeted empowerment packages, especially for members in rural communities, to help expand their operations and improve productivity.
“We are not here for pity. We are capable, we are active, and we can succeed just like anyone else. What we need is support and understanding,” Lalu stated.
According to him, stronger collaboration with the Ministry would help address longstanding challenges confronting farmers with disabilities and unlock their full potential.
Lalu also commended the Minister’s commitment to inclusion and his broader efforts aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.
