Nigeria’s worsening insecurity is said to be responsible for about N7.17 trillion and killing as much as 40 per cent of the livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, according to a report by Agramondis Research and Consulting.

The livestock sector is valued at an estimated 417 million animals, comprising 20.9 million cattle, 49.1 million goats, 88.2 million sheep, and 258.5 million chickens. Pigs account for another 9.2 million.

The industry, according to the report, contributes 10 per cent to agricultural Growth Domestic Product (GDP), provides a primary source of protein, and employs 4.5 million pastoralists and support workers.

Despite its economic significance, the Federal Government’s investment in the sector remains low as the 2025 budget proposal allocates N1.77 billion to improve animal health, strengthen disease prevention, and promote sustainable livestock management.

The report stated that internal productivity constraints, climate change, and insecurity are hampering growth, while scarcity of grazing land, erratic rainfall, drought, and farmer-herder clashes are reducing feed quality and availability.

The report stated that poor record-keeping and lack of livestock data among smallholders remain a major bottleneck, representing a N13.63 trillion market opportunity for digital solutions.

It, however, said that heat stress alone could cut production by 15 per cent yearly, causing losses worth about N904 billion. The report identified opportunities for investment in genealogical book-keeping, livestock tracking, veterinary services, climate-resilient breeding, supply chain traceability, digital insurance, and extension services.

It also flagged poor animal husbandry as the biggest untapped investment opportunity, worth N24.5 trillion but capital-intensive, and estimated yearly drought losses at N10.5 trillion, calling for low-cost technologies, such as forage conservation, water harvesting, and resilient livestock breeds.

It, therefore, recommended targeted farmer education, awareness campaigns, and practical demonstrations to encourage uptake of modern techniques and unlock the sector’s potential to meet rising domestic demand.

Meanwhile, in spite of the huge contribution to food security, the livestock sector in Nigeria is underperforming and laden with both internal (productivity) and external (climatic) challenges. (The Guardian)