Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have expressed concerns regarding the need for enhancing the quantity and quality of data within the agri-food system.
In light of the escalating feed prices, the stakeholders observed that the government is facing challenges in effectively addressing the significant fluctuations in food supply and prices, primarily due to the absence of precise and timely data.
During an interview held on the sidelines of the Multi-stakeholders Platform on Feed and Fodder (MSP) forum in Abuja, Dr. Tunde Amole, the Country Representative of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), highlighted the importance of precise and current data in enhancing productivity, profitability, and nutritional availability in the livestock sector.
Dr. Amole emphasized that lack of accurate data hinders effective analysis, planning, and decision-making, thereby compromising the resilience and sustainability of the industry.
He noted that the lack of data in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, specifically in livestock farming, is becoming more evident. This shortage of reliable information is impeding efforts to effectively tackle critical concerns like fluctuating food supply and prices, feed shortages, and fodder insecurity.
With the livestock industry challenged by feed issues and operators seeking fodders solutions, he pointed out that there was a need for data to help businesses conduct rapid analysis of the national capacity to ensure year round supply of quality feed.
To this end, he noted that addressing recurrent challenges in the livestock industry hinges on resolving data deficits.
As the livestock industry has been negatively impacted due to high feed prices and shortage of farming inputs, National Consultant (Team Lead), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. Rabe Mani, noted that a functional data would help the government in the private sector deal with issues occasioning fodder insecurity. According to him, the livestock sector faces major downside risks from further escalation of fodder supply challenges, urging for Improvement in the quantity and quality of data in Nigeria’s food system to enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, build resilience, and promote sustainability throughout the value chain.
He underscored the significance of the outcomes of the baseline workshop in ensuring alignment and effective collaboration among all stakeholders.
Assistant Director, Extension & Linkages, National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State, Dr Yunusa Ishiaku, acknowledged the fundamental role that data will play in addressing the needs and challenges of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
According to him, estimation of feed and fodder production capacity would produce baseline data —laying the groundwork for informed investment decisions that will drive the country’s livestock sector forward.
He emphasized the pivotal role of data in guiding investment decisions and driving the livestock sector forward.
He highlighted the importance of accurately estimating feed and fodder production capacity to lay the groundwork for informed strategies and sustainable development.
Overall, these stakeholders underscored the urgent need for improvements in the quantity and quality of data in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
For the forum, addressing data gaps, updating outdated information, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are crucial steps toward enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and building resilience throughout the agricultural value chain.
Nigeria became the 4th country to launch a MSP to help address issues in the feed and fodder sector .
The country imports millions of tons of animal feed and raw materials yearly and mostly used for the production of cattle, poultry and pigs. Feed and fodder are critical components in livestock production, accounting for 60-70 per cent of the total cost of raising livestock. However, there is a stark contrast between global practices and the reality in Africa, where livestock keepers often feed their animals with whatever is available as against specific production targets.
