Agriculture

REAP Africa Initiative Commences 2nd Phase Africa Harvest

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2021

Joel Ajayi

With the successful completion of “Project Farm across borders” and unprecedented gains made by the REAP AFRICA INITIATIVE team, Animal Mart Enterprises Ltd commenced the second phase of the laudable project tagged “Africa Harvest”.

This project will drive a vigorous product-to-consumer initiative aimed at bridging the gap between farmers and consumers thereby eliminating exploitation by middlemen.

Africa Harvest gives farmers an opportunity to sell their produce at available market prices directly to consumer households by connecting with them on the Reap Africa Initiative portal which has a database of 10,000 farmers and more than 45,000 consumers as well as companies and organizations that use farm products for their day to day business.

This can be achievable by logging into the Reap Africa website, signing up with all your data, uploading pictures of your farm produce in either raw or processed state, or connecting directly with consumers.

Demonstration on how to use the portal was carried out by the operations department of the company and headed by our North central Farm Supervisor in person of Mrs Chinwendu Mmereole.

During the meeting with stakeholders, she disclosed that all registered farms under the farm across borders project will be given priority as their harvest will be bought up by the company at favorable prices and stored or distributed at the discretion of the company.

Mrs Chinwendu Mmereole also assured relevant stakeholders of the company’s commitment to improve on availability of new and improved seeds, fingerlings and machinery as well as the adequate deployment of technology in order to increase farm yield and drastically reduce post-harvest losses.

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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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