Agriculture

Strengthen Regional Trade To Guarantee Food Production, AGRF Urges Africa

Published

5 years ago

August 31, 2020

President of African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) Agnes Kalibata has revealed that Africa needs to strengthen regional trade to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, she also observed that bolstering regional trade would boost a system that will meet the health, environmental, social, and economic aspirations of people living in rural and urban areas.

Kalibata, also an envoy to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, said that it had become imperative for the continent not to relent in its effort to transform food systems for the benefit of everyone.

According to the statement, we need food systems that are equitable, sustainable, resilient, and capable of meeting the global challenges of malnutrition, poverty, and climate change as well as be responsive to emerging and unforeseen challenges such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ she said.

She also announced that the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme, funded by the African Development Bank for the purpose of boosting productivity and make Africa self-sufficient in key commodities, would convene a high-level session on “Agricultural Technologies for Feeding the Cities” at the 10th annual summit of AGRF in Kigali.

“The session will hold on September 8 where TAAT is expected to use its values to drive the actions required to overcome the major challenges affecting African agriculture in food production and others development issues.

She noted that the summit with the theme “Feed the Cities, Grow the Continent: Leveraging Urban Food Markets to Achieve Sustainable Food Systems in Africa’’, would be co-hosted by Rwanda and the AGRF partners group.

The statement said further that the session would bring to fore, the strategic linkage between research and delivery as well as TAAT’s success stories in feeding African cities through its wheat revolution, intensification of cassava production and commercialization, and building the capacity of African farmers through technology outreach.

She said that it would address innovative options for accelerating African agricultural transformation in a post-COVID-19 pandemic era through the deployment of proven agricultural technologies and partnerships capable of bringing food security to African cities and rural communities.

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Agriculture

House Moves to Overhaul Livestock Sector, Investigate ₦498.7m Unpaid Poultry Farmers’ Compensation — Wale Raji

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Cyril Ogar

The House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development has announced plans to overhaul Nigeria’s livestock sector and investigate the Federal Government’s failure to pay ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers affected by bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023..

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wale Raji, disclosed this on Thursday during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The proposed bills seek to establish livestock colleges and research institutes across the country to promote animal production, veterinary education, and professional training.

Raji explained that the public hearing was convened to enable stakeholders to contribute ideas aimed at strengthening livestock development and resolving the challenges faced by farmers, particularly those impacted by avian influenza.

“This engagement provides stakeholders a platform to make meaningful input that will enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote sustainable livestock growth,” Raji stated.“However, we are deeply concerned about the delay in compensating affected poultry farmers, and we are determined to ensure transparency and accountability in the entire process.”

₦498.7 Million Still Outstanding

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, confirmed that ₦498.7 million remains unpaid to 307 poultry farmers whose flocks were destroyed during bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.

According to him, ₦3.16 billion had earlier been disbursed to 1,055 farmers affected by previous outbreaks, but the latest phase of payments was stalled due to funding shortfalls. He added that a recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of over 2,000 birds, with compensation yet to be processed.

Adedoyin attributed the delay to inadequate budgetary provisions and the absence of an Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund (ADEF), explaining that no dedicated fund for animal disease response has existed since 2021.
“Most affected farmers also lack insurance coverage as required by law, further complicating the compensation process,” he said.

He noted that in 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a revised compensation formula—50% from the Federal Government, 25% from the state, and 25% from farmers—restricting eligibility to smallholders with flocks under 3,000 birds.

Lawmakers Push Livestock Reform Agenda
Hon. Raji emphasized that the committee’s probe and reform efforts are in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which seeks to modernize animal husbandry, enhance veterinary services, and improve productivity across the value chain.

“Our goal is to build a vibrant and sustainable livestock sector that contributes meaningfully to food security, employment generation, and economic diversification,” he said.“We will also work to ensure that farmers receive their compensation and that government creates an emergency response fund to prevent future delays.”

He assured that the committee will pursue full implementation of the hearing’s recommendations to strengthen policy, research, and training in the livestock industry.

Push for New Livestock Institutions
Among the bills under consideration is one sponsored by Hon. Bello Ka’oje (Kebbi State) seeking to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Ka’oje. The proposed college will serve as a centre for research, training, and innovation in livestock production.

Ka’oje said the institution would improve animal breeding, promote best practices in livestock care, and drive productivity and employment.
“This initiative aims to advance livestock development through professional training and innovation,” he stated.“It will help strengthen food security, create jobs, and raise the standard of animal production in Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigeria continues to trail behind countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, ranking 94th in global milk production and 33rd in meat production as of 2022, despite its vast agricultural resources.

Commitment to Accountability and Growth

Hon. Wale Raji reaffirmed the House’s commitment to transparency and effective oversight in livestock management.

“We will ensure that every stakeholder in the livestock value chain benefits from government policies and programmes,” he said.“Our ultimate goal is to reposition the livestock industry as a key driver of national growth, rural development, and economic stability.”

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