The National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN) has called on the Federal Government to establish demonstration farms in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones to strengthen sheep and goat production.
The association said the proposed centres would help improve farmers’ earnings, promote modern livestock management practices and increase the productivity of the sector.
NASHGODAN also said the farms could support efforts to control Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), sheep and goat pox, and other transboundary and zoonotic diseases affecting small ruminants.
The National President of NASHGODAN, Abdullateef Ahmed, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Ahmed explained that the proposed demonstration farms would provide practical learning platforms where farmers, students and prospective investors could access and test modern, efficient and sustainable livestock production methods.
He said the centres would also promote knowledge sharing through practical training in improved breeding techniques, animal health management and better feeding practices.
“The centres will boost production by showcasing methods to increase output to farmers and demonstrate profitable agribusiness models to reduce poverty and improve food security.
“They will also serve as training centres to empower youth and women farmers, as well as provide routine vaccination and treatment of sick animals when necessary,” he said.
Ahmed listed disease outbreaks, inadequate breeding programmes, limited market access, insufficient financing, insecurity and weak value-chain development among the major constraints limiting growth in the sheep and goat industry.
He, however, stressed that farmers and livestock producers had an important role to play in protecting the country from PPR and other zoonotic diseases.
According to him, greater inclusion of farmers in government programmes and policy formulation would help address some of the challenges confronting the sector.
“It will ensure the slaughtering of healthy animals for sale and consumption rather than diseased animals, to the detriment of human health.
“If demonstration farms are established, farmers can take their sick animals to the centres for treatment, and this will be of immense value to farmers and consumers,” he said.
On the economic importance of sheep and goats, Ahmed said the sector’s value chain presented significant opportunities that had yet to be fully exploited.
He noted that the industry remained an important contributor to food security and rural livelihoods despite its largely untapped economic potential.
The NASHGODAN president encouraged young Nigerians to consider sheep and goat farming as a viable modern agribusiness rather than viewing it solely as a traditional occupation.
He said investment in the sector could support wealth creation, employment generation, poverty reduction and broader economic development.
“The industry is one of the most accessible and profitable agricultural enterprises for rural households, women, youths and retirees.
“It provides income, employment, nutrition and economic resilience for millions of Nigerians,” he said.
