In a bid to enhance livestock production and empower its citizens, the Niger State Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has trained 1,000 youths and women on livestock entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the launch of the training in Niger, Mr. Jonathan Wasa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, emphasised that the initiative was a collaborative effort with AGRA.
Wasa, represented by the Director of Animal Production, Abbas Mohammed, said the programme aims to transform food systems and support smallholder farmers across the state.
“We decided to synergise with AGRA to train our women and youths to change their mindset in animal rearing to improve livestock production in the state,” Wasa said.
“The aim is to transform our food system, support smallholder farmers as well as make our youths self-reliant.”
He noted that 50 beneficiaries—two from each of the state’s 25 local government areas—would be trained in the first phase.
The beneficiaries will also receive financial support and essential tools to launch their own livestock production ventures.
“The plan was that the beneficiaries would be empowered financially and given basic tools and materials to start up livestock production,” he added.
Dr. Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged participants to take the training seriously and acquire valuable skills in livestock production that would be of long-term benefit.
Similarly, Mr. Godswill Aguiyi, AGRA’s Programme Officer in Niger, described the training as a stepping stone to self-reliance and business development for young people and women in agriculture.
“The aim of the training was to transform the food system, support smallholder farmers, and help the youths become self-reliant,” he said.
The training covered key areas such as livestock production economics, agribusiness development, and pasture management.
