AU-IBAR is contributing substantially to Nigerian livestock production, commercialization and nutrition security by harnessing feed and fodder data for decision-making. On Thursday, April 17th, 2025, Country Experts, through the support of AU-IBAR and ILRI, will officially hand over the national feed balance and inventory to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Bureau of Statistics. This high-level event is a crucial move towards using the data-driven approach in the planning and management of national feed resources for feed and fodder commercialization and sustainable livestock production throughout the country.
Cameroon Joins Nigeria Ahead of the Handover Ceremony
In preparation for this event, AU-IBAR has invited representatives from Cameroon, who recently completed their feed inventory ground-truthing exercise. This collaboration allows both countries to share insights and lessons from their respective processes.
In March 2025, AU-IBAR and country technical teams from Cameroon conducted a ground-truthing activity in 5 regions to validate feed and fodder data collected through spatial data. This exercise involved visiting key livestock production areas to verify the accuracy of spatial data and ensure it reflected the realities on the ground. The initiative was essential for building robust national feed balances that can be used to inform policy and enhance livestock productivity. During their visit, AU-IBAR engaged with stakeholders, such as government officials and local farmers, to ensure inclusivity and transparency in data collection.
A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Feed and Fodder Sector Livestock Development
AU-IBAR has been working closely with national stakeholders and experts in Nigeria to finalize the feed balance and inventory. Last week, the team conducted technical workshops and stakeholder engagements to refine the data. These activities brought together experts from various sectors, including government agencies, livestock associations, and private sector players, to ensure the inventory was comprehensive and actionable.
The finalized feed balance provides critical insights into the availability and distribution of feed resources across Nigeria. It identifies feed supply gaps, highlights investment opportunities, and offers recommendations for improving the sustainability of the livestock sector. The methodology and data from the ground truthing exercise have been validated through rigorous processes, including engagement with the National Bureau of Statistics, ensuring its reliability as a foundation for guiding policymakers.
A Turning Point for Feed and Fodder Production Sector
The planned high-level feed inventory and Investment forum will involve presenting the national feed balance and inventory and officially handing over the feed and fodder data, tools, and dashboard to the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Bureau of Statistics for secure storage and ownership as national assets. This handover signifies a significant step toward institutionalizing feed and fodder data nationally.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The commitment of AU-IBAR to cultivating regional partnerships in livestock development is evidenced by the participation of other RAFFS Project core countries (Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Zimbabwe) who will join the Cameroon and Nigeria teams during the high-level forum. The high-level representatives from the six core countries, stakeholders, and development partners will share experiences and lessons to advance the development of their feed and fodder sectors in their respective countries and better utilize feed inventory data.
Nigeria’s approach emphasises effective strategies for incorporating feed balance data into national policy frameworks, while Cameroon’s experience provides valuable lessons on stakeholder engagement during data validation processes. The regional endeavours to confront common challenges in livestock production will be fortified by this exchange of ideas.
A Vision for Sustainable Livestock Production
The work of AU-IBAR in Nigeria is indicative of a more comprehensive vision for sustainable livestock production in Africa. AU-IBAR establishes the foundation for evidence-based policies that foster resilience in the livestock sector by providing countries with dependable data on feed resources. These endeavours align with the continental objectives to promote economic development, enhance agricultural security, and improve rural livelihoods.
This handover is evidently not merely the conclusion of a process but rather the commencement of a transformative change in Nigeria’s livestock sector, as we anticipate the high-level event on Thursday. As a result of the leadership of Cameroon and Nigeria, other African nations are motivated to implement data-driven pastoral development strategies.
Source : AU-IBAR, 2025
