L-PRES - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Mon, 2024

L-PRES moves to strengthen animal genetic resources

251 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), is advancing efforts to harness animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic development.

The initiative aims to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and development of indigenous genetic resources to enhance livestock productivity and resilience.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, said this at the stakeholder meeting on the Development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) on Monday.

He noted the importance of the plan, which aligned with the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

“The global framework, adopted by FAO member countries, promotes the sustainable and rational management of AnGR to improve productivity and foster international collaboration.

“The effective management, conservation, and utilisation of our nation’s animal genetic resources are crucial to enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock sector”.

Abubakar announced that L-PRES has begun groundwork for establishing a national gene bank to preserve the genetic material of indigenous animal breeds.

This initiative, he said, was expected to enhance biodiversity and safeguard valuable traits in local livestock.

He also noted that Nigeria’s commitment to AnGR management was reinforced through its active participation in the recent Global National Coordinators Workshop in Rome.

He stated that the validated document would guide the sustainable management of Nigeria’s animal genetic resources, reduce reliance on imports, and boost the livestock sector’s economic impact.

Earlier, Dr Popoola Mustafa, Project Team Lead, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening and securing its animal genetic resources, with the aim of ensuring sustainable livestock production and resilience.

“This initiative aligns with the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), which Nigeria signed in 2007 but has not fully implemented.

“The objective is to address the underperformance of the livestock sector, which has the potential to contribute N33 trillion to the economy”.

Popoola identified poor animal identification, genetic diversion from mixing local and foreign breeds, and the uncoordinated management of free-roaming animals as key limitations to the sector.

He proposed solutions such as proper characterisation and cataloguing of local genetic resources, creating breeding programmes for specific outputs like meat or milk, and focusing on the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources.

Popoola also recommended targeted government interventions and institutional support, including guidelines for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development and support from the World Bank.

“The strategy not only focuses on cattle but aims to optimise genetic resources across various species, positioning Nigeria as a leader in animal genetics.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a thriving livestock economy.”

Dr Anthony Okere, Director of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), stated that the organisation oversees both animal and plant genetic resources.

He highlighted NACGRAB’s role in cataloguing local breeds and developing ‘Made in Nigeria’ poultry breeds.

“NACGRAB serves as the Secretariat for the National Variety Release Committee, overseeing the registration, release, and cataloguing of new animal breeds.

“We also maintain Nigeria’s national crop catalogue and are expanding our catalogue of animal breeds,” Okere explained.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would generate innovative ideas and actionable recommendations to guide the Ministry’s work, ensuring the sustainable utilisation of animal genetic resources.

Okere also emphasised the broader national goal of strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector, reducing reliance on foreign genetic material, and enhancing the country’s capacity for genetic research and innovation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tosin Kolade
Oct, Wed, 2024

Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria to boost livestock sector through real-time data

448 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has introduced the Livestock Data and Market Information System (LMIS) to provide real-time information for transforming the sector.

This initiative is part of the six-year L-PRES project, funded by 500 million dollars from the International Development Association (IDA), aiming to enhance productivity, commercialisation, and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, L-PRES National Project Coordinator, at a workshop in Abuja, explained that the LMIS would strengthen institutional systems, improve market linkages, and promote crisis prevention.

“The system will offer market information through various channels, creating a comprehensive marketing database for planning, policy formulation, research, and trend monitoring.

Prof. Herbert Udo, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, highlighted the significance of data in livestock development, noting that well-developed livestock marketing information systems were invaluable for national planning.

“As a regulatory body with zonal and state offices nationwide, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science is committed to collaborating with L-PRES and other stakeholders to operationalise the LMIS,” he stated.

Udo cited successful partnerships among farmers, markets, and policymakers in other parts of Africa, expressing confidence that similar successes could be achieved in Nigeria.

Mr Ibrahim Wali, representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasised the need for real-time data to ensure livestock productivity.

“In this sector, livestock owners often exchange animals for income without recorded transactions or data collection,” he noted.

He noted that the current number of animals was uncertain, and prices for a kilo of meat in Maiduguri or Abuja were often based on guesswork.

“Having real-time data on the prices of sheep, beef, or poultry will be extremely beneficial,” he stated.

Wali added that access to real-time information had transformed purchasing behaviour.

“Everything we do is consumer-driven. Consumers want to know the quality of the beef, chicken, meat, or turkey they are purchasing.

“The world has changed, especially since COVID-19, making it possible to do everything online.

“Consumers can now order beef and chicken online and, knowing the prices, they can purchase from anywhere, even if they are in Lagos”.

Mr Johnson Opigo, LMIS consultant, stressed the importance of data and information systems for improving livestock productivity.

He explained that accurate and timely data enable farmers to make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, health management, and marketing strategies.

“A robust information system provides real-time market data, helping producers understand trends and pricing to make better sales decisions.

“Additionally, information systems can issue early warnings for disease outbreaks and market fluctuations, allowing farmers to take preventive measures”.

Opigo also noted that data on livestock performance and health optimises resource use, reduces waste, and increases efficiency.

He stated that comprehensive data informs policymakers, leading to better regulations and support programmes that enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru