The Federal Government, in collaboration with the African Union-Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project, has established a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at providing producers with convenient access to high-quality animal feed at competitive prices.
The RAFFS Project, as described by the Ministry of State for Agriculture and Food Security, is a proactive response to the Triple C crises - COVID-19, Climate Change shocks, and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, which have significantly impacted African feed and fodder systems.
The project's primary objective is to assess the impacts of these crises and offer evidence-based short-term solutions to enhance resilience in the sector.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized that the launch of the multi-stakeholder platform aligns with the government's dedication to sustainable food production and national food security.
He highlighted that the platform will not only streamline access to feed for producers but also establish an integrated self-sufficiency system that fosters fair competition among suppliers.
Abdullahi explained the importance of supporting the livestock industry in achieving self-sufficiency in animal products, emphasizing that the initiative will promote proper nutrition, sustainable practices, and empower livestock producers as vital contributors to the national food security framework.
Tunde Amole, the Country Representative of the International Livestock Research Institute, raised concerns about Nigeria's substantial budget allocation towards importing animal feed ingredients like corn, soybean, and wheat for domestic production, particularly for cattle, poultry, and pigs.
Amole advocated for increased local sourcing of raw materials to produce animal feed, aiming to mitigate supply challenges and ensure sustainable industry growth. He also called for the expansion of farmland dedicated to intensive grass and animal feed production.
The project's objectives include strengthening the knowledge and analytical ecosystem, identifying innovative business models, enhancing policy engagement, and fostering partnerships to address immediate challenges.
