The Kwara State Government is shifting livestock production from subsistence farming to a commercial value chain focused on improved productivity, food security, job creation and investment.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the strategy covers animal breeding, veterinary services, processing, milk production and market access.

“Livestock development is no longer just about rearing animals. It is about building a complete value chain that creates jobs, generates income, improves food security and supports investment,” she said.

The state created the Ministry of Livestock Development in March 2025 after separating it from the former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The ministry is responsible for livestock production, animal health, food safety, farmer-herder relations and commercial opportunities in the sector.

According to Thomas, Kwara ranked first among the 20 participating states in the final performance assessment of the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project.

She disclosed that 5,821 livestock farmers, comprising 4,112 men and 1,709 women, had benefited directly from the L-PRES programme.

The state has also vaccinated more than 87,000 animals against anthrax, while previous campaigns covered more than 130,000 ruminants. Twenty-four livestock infrastructure projects have been rehabilitated or constructed, including markets, cold-chain facilities, laboratories, Farmers’ Field Schools and ruminant clusters.

Ten ruminant farming clusters have been established across the three senatorial districts, while milk collection centres in Kaiama and Lata have been rehabilitated.

At the Akerebiata Abattoir, solar-powered cold-chain facilities have also been installed.

Kwara recently launched an artificial insemination programme in partnership with Genex URUS, an American international animal breeding company, to improve cattle breeds and increase milk production.

The programme began in September with 500 cattle, with a target of about 1,000 animals by the end of the year before expansion.

“One of the ways to improve breeds is through artificial insemination. We are going to inseminate thousands of cattle across the state,” she said.

The government plans to establish an insemination centre in Malete, while students from the University of Ilorin and other tertiary institutions are receiving practical training.

The Director of Livestock, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, said the programme was expected to achieve an 85 per cent success rate.

Genex URUS Team Lead, Dr Saka Shittu, said the programme currently focuses on cattle but would later cover other livestock. Farmers currently receive the service free of charge, with each farmer entitled to have two cattle inseminated.

Kwara is targeting at least 100,000 metric tonnes of milk, which the government estimates could have an economic value of about $150m.

The state is exploring partnerships with Danone, Fan Milk and FrieslandCampina and plans to connect milk production with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone for the production of yoghurt, cheese, butter, ice cream and powdered milk.

“A functioning dairy value chain can create work for veterinary professionals, artificial insemination technicians, feed producers, transporters, processors, packaging companies, marketers and retailers.

“It also creates an opportunity to retain more of the value generated by livestock within the state.”

Through the Kwara Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, the ministry says it is targeting at least 100 youths and women every month for enterprise development, coaching, market linkages and financing opportunities.

“Of the 5,821 L-PRES beneficiaries, 1,709 are women.”

The state is also promoting emerging areas including Black Soldier Fly farming, hydroponic fodder production, apiculture and modern animal husbandry.

On farmer-herder relations, Thomas said Kwara had been selected by the Federal Government as a pilot state for the national ranching policy.

“The government is pursuing ranching and feedlot systems and has identified areas including Lata and Gidan Magajiya in Kaiama for pastoral development.

“About 1,000 hectares have been allocated at Gidan Magajiya for the development of pastoral infrastructure, including pasture and water facilities.

“Solar-powered boreholes and hand pumps are also being constructed around grazing areas and stock routes.

“The ministry is using geospatial mapping to guide planning and identify infrastructure needs.

“The underlying idea is to make water and feed more accessible to livestock while reducing unnecessary movement and competition for resources.

“Peace and productivity go hand-in-hand. We want a livestock system where farmers and herders can pursue their livelihoods without unnecessary conflict,” Thomas declared.

The ministry has identified investment opportunities in dairy and meat processing, feed production, ranching, feedlots, pasture development, cold-chain logistics, poultry, small ruminants and apiculture.

On animal health, Thomas said more than 87,000 animals had been vaccinated against anthrax, while plans were underway for an ultra-modern veterinary hospital with referral, diagnostic and remote service capabilities.

Looking ahead, she said the immediate priorities include scaling up KWALES, completing L-PRES infrastructure projects, expanding vaccination and training, developing pasture and water facilities, and strengthening dairy production, breed improvement and livestock processing.

She said “the durability of the strategy will depend on whether government interventions can develop into commercially sustainable systems.”

Thomas added that “the longer-term ambition is to make livestock a major contributor to the state’s economy.”

Source: Punch