NIGERIA – The Nigerian government has unveiled a plan to allocate 2,500 billion naira (approximately US$3.2 billion) to reform the country’s livestock sector over the next five years.

The initiative is part of a new national plan aimed at addressing the challenges facing the sector, which contributes about 9% to the country’s agricultural GDP.

Meanwhile, the livestock industry in the country has faced ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers, which have had a significant economic impact.

The funds for the reform plan are expected to come from annual budgets, contributions from key ministries, support from local and international investors, as well as financial support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The plan includes interventions to reposition the livestock sector, such as the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, reforms in livestock production, improving production and productivity, conflict mitigation and resolution, policy and program reviews, and strengthening institutional capacities.

The funding comes after President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of a committee tasked with addressing the recurring conflicts between herders and farmers earlier this year.

These clashes have led to significant economic losses for the country, with an estimated annual shortfall of US$13.7 billion, as reported by the American humanitarian organization Mercy Corps in 2015.

Official data indicated that Nigeria had a national herd of nearly 450 million livestock animals in 2021. Poultry accounts for approximately 60% of this population, followed by goats, sheep, and cattle.

Egypt invests US$7.09M in National Veal Project for rural livelihoods, food security

In a similar development in Egypt, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated US$7.09 million to the National Veal Project, which is part of the Decent Life presidential initiative aimed at improving living conditions in rural Egypt.

The funds will support 305 small-scale breeders and young graduates, providing them with 4,880 livestock for raising and fattening.

The project seeks to increase the production and availability of red meat and dairy products in the market while ensuring price stability for both producers and consumers.

So far, the project has received a total allocation of EGP 8.263 billion, benefiting more than 43,000 farmers and involving over 498,000 livestock.

Farmers interested in joining the project in Egypt can apply through various channels, including agricultural administrations, the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), and online through the Livestock and Poultry Development Department.

This initiative aims to enhance the livestock sector, improve livelihoods in rural areas, and contribute to food security in Egypt.